Erythritol is a sugar substitute and looks very much like crystal sugar. In the food industry it is known as food additive E968. Erythritol, along with sorbitol and xylitol, are thought to be healthy sweeteners. Erythritol contains fewer calories than honey and regular sugar.
Erythritol has a very interesting taste because it leaves a cooling effect in the mouth, once its been consumed. Erythritol is also a natural sugar alcohol that is found in various fruit - pears, grapes, watermelons. It is also found in some fermented liquids such as beer and wine.
Erythritol is generally considered a safe sweetener and a good alternative to white sugar, but it is possible to cause some side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The consumption of too much of this sweetener can lead to constant fatigue and lack of desire to perform physical activity. Experts advise people who have irritable bowel syndrome and other stomach problems to avoid the use of erythritol.
Erythritol is suitable for consumption by people suffering from diabetes, protects against tooth decay and is thought to be much better than other sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame and cyclamate.
