Erythritol sweetener by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Health benefit of erythritol sweetener
Erythritol is a natural bulk agent and sweetener. The staring material for the formation of erythritol is a glucose rich substrate obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from a natural raw material starch and then it is fermented and crystalized at over 99.5% purity. Erythritol is sometimes added to a stevia product.
Where is erythritol found?
Erythritol is found naturally in fruits and vegetables, it has near zero
calories.
Erythritol and diabetes
Erythritol does not seem to affect blood sugar and hence may be used by
diabetics.
Erythritol approved in Europe -
2008
Erythritol will join a host of approved polyols and be used as a low-calorie
sugar alternative in food and beverage categories throughout the European Union.
It's an approval that follows years of sanctioned use in the US, Canada, Mexico,
Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. Cargill, lobbied extensively for
the approval of erythritol for 10 years. Zerose is a proprietary erthritol
product targeted at low-calorie indulgence foods, including bakery items,
dairy-based desserts and confectionery items such as gum and chocolate. Zerose
is also being marketed on its ability to extend product shelf life. Erythritol
has a number of functions such as flavor enhancer, carrier, humectant,
stabilizer, thickener, bulking agent and sequestrant.