Erythritol is a natural sugar substitute that belongs to the class of compounds known as sugar alcohols or polyols.
It occurs naturally, especially in fruits and mushrooms, and has a sweet taste, with its caloric content almost four times lower than that of regular sugar.
Being a carbohydrate that the body hardly absorbs, erythritol does not cause spikes in blood glucose levels, making it an ideal option for maintaining a stable sugar level.
In addition, it exhibits beneficial antioxidant properties and can contribute to improving oral health.
Application in the keto diet
Erythritol is a popular choice for the keto diet due to its zero glycemic index.
The main advantage of erythritol is its almost complete absence of calories (about 0.2 calories per gram) and carbohydrates, making it ideal for the keto diet.
Unlike other sugar alcohols, it does not cause stomach discomfort as it is hardly absorbed by the body.
Possible risks of consumption
Excessive consumption of erythritol may lead to digestive disorders, such as bloating and diarrhea.