Keto Means
Photo: Rodrigo Zarate
Sugar alcohols are low calorie sweeteners that generally have little to no effect on your blood sugar levels. As a result, they're a popular keto-friendly option for sweetening foods and beverages.
Remove The Lid Let's start with a method that requires the least amount of effort: just take the lid off the pot and let your chili simmer. Put it...
Read More »
Fresh cucumbers, once they are brought home or in from your garden, should be washed off and dried first and foremost. Once they are totally dry,...
Read More »A key part of following a ketogenic, or keto, diet is reducing your sugar intake. This is necessary for your body to enter ketosis, a state in which your body burns fat rather than sugar for energy ( 1 ). However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sweet-tasting foods. Sugar alcohols are sweeteners that have tastes and textures similar to those of sugar, but fewer calories and a less significant effect on blood sugar levels ( 2 ). As a result, they can be a satisfying option for individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake, such as those following a keto diet. This article explains whether sugar alcohols are keto-friendly, as well as which ones may be better options for you. Share on Pinterest Common types of sugar alcohols Sugar alcohols occur naturally in some fruits and vegetables. However, most are commercially manufactured in a lab ( 2 ). While there are many types of sugar alcohols, common ones you may see on food labels include ( 3 , 4 , 5 ): Erythritol. Often made by fermenting the glucose found in cornstarch, erythritol has 70% of the sweetness of sugar but 5% of the calories. Often made by fermenting the glucose found in cornstarch, erythritol has 70% of the sweetness of sugar but 5% of the calories. Isomalt. Isomalt is a mixture of two sugar alcohols — mannitol and sorbitol. Providing 50% fewer calories than sugar, it’s most commonly used to make sugar-free hard candies and 50% as sweet. Isomalt is a mixture of two sugar alcohols — mannitol and sorbitol. Providing 50% fewer calories than sugar, it’s most commonly used to make sugar-free hard candies and 50% as sweet. Maltitol. Maltitol is processed from the sugar maltose. It’s 90% as sweet as sugar with almost half the calories. Maltitol is processed from the sugar maltose. It’s 90% as sweet as sugar with almost half the calories. Sorbitol. Commercially produced from glucose, sorbitol is 60% as sweet as sugar with about 60% of the calories. Commercially produced from glucose, sorbitol is 60% as sweet as sugar with about 60% of the calories. Xylitol. One of the most common sugar alcohols, xylitol is as sweet as regular sugar but has 40% fewer calories. Due to their low calorie contents, sugar alcohols are frequently used to sweeten sugar-free or diet products like gum, yogurts, ice cream, coffee creamers, salad dressings, and protein bars and shakes ( 2 ). summary Sugar alcohols are often commercially manufactured as a low calorie way to sweeten food products. Common ones you may see on ingredient lists include erythritol, isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Glycemic index of sugar alcohols When you eat sugar, your body breaks it down into smaller molecules. These molecules are then absorbed into your bloodstream, which causes your blood sugar levels to rise ( 6 ). In contrast, your body cannot fully break down and absorb carbs from sugar alcohols. As a result, they cause a much smaller rise in blood sugar levels ( 7 ). One way to compare the effects of these sweeteners is their glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of how quickly foods can raise your blood sugar ( 8 ). Here are the GI values of common sugar alcohols ( 4 ): Erythritol: 0
Thaw shrimp completely before stir-frying, baking, or grilling. If you'll be baking, grilling or stir-frying your shrimp, do not try to cook from...
Read More »
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well. Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness,...
Read More »
Here's why beans and legumes are so good for you: They provide slowly digested starch (carbohydrate), which reduces blood sugar spikes. They are...
Read More »
CAN I EAT TORTILLA CHIPS ON KETO? The simple answer here is yes, but you must be careful. Store bought traditional tortilla chips are full of flour...
Read More »
Oatmeal contains a healthy mixture of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based protein that makes it beneficial for weight loss. A half-cup of...
Read More »
Excess uric acid can form needle-like crystals in a joint, causing pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Read More »
The Keto diet is strictly not advisable for the ones with extra high levels of blood glucose, diabetes type 1 or type 2 who are taking regular...
Read More »
Ultimately, the most definitive way to determine whether or not you are in ketosis is to test your ketone levels! Commercial ketone test strips are...
Read More »