Erythritol vs. Classic Sugars
These are the main differences between erythritol and the ‘Classic’ sugars that you find in most processed foods, restaurants, and home kitchens.
![bowl-of-erythritol](https://intelligentsugar.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bowl-of-erythritol.png)
Erythritol
- Erythritol has been found to have no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels, making it a good option for those with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
- Erythritol has been found to have no effect on gene expression related to inflammation and insulin resistance, suggesting that it may be a good option for those at risk for developing metabolic disorders.
- Erythritol has no effect on blood sugar levels (it contains no energy that the body can use) so essentially it is just a sweet taste.
- Erythritol has been found to have a neutral effect on blood lipid levels, making it a good option for those with high cholesterol or triglycerides.
- Erythritol has a glycaemic index of zero and does not cause blood sugar spikes, which can help promote cognitive function and reduce brain fog.
- Erythritol has been found to have a minimal effect on muscle strength or endurance, but it may help improve recovery time after exercise.
- Erythritol does not promote tooth decay or damage and may have a beneficial effect on dental health by reducing plaque formation and neutralizing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Approved by EFSA as safer for teeth.
- Erythritol has zero calorie content, which makes it a good option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake and manage their weight.
![intelligent sugars](https://intelligentsugar.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/intelligent-sugars-1.jpg)
Classic Sugar
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Sticks to red blood cells (impairing the haemoglobin that is critical for oxygen transport) and elevates HbA1c.
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High GI – increases nutrigenomic risk (food/gene interaction) of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
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Rapid energy which crashes, causing hunger and lethargy (tiredness and mental fog).
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Increases production of cholesterol by the liver in response to inflammation.
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Reduces focus, induces anxiety, impairs memory, reduces BDNF (a neurotransmitter involved in learning), and increases oxidative stress (creating brain inflammation and brain fog).
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Encourages fermentation by-products impairing muscle function and increasing inflammation.
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Feeds bad bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque, and demineralize teeth.
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Promotes fat storage and restricts metabolic access to using fat for fuel.
How can I use erythritol?
Erythritol has a sweet taste similar to table sugar, but it has a slight cooling effect on the tongue.
It is not as well suited to baking as some other sugar alternatives, but it can be used in a variety of other applications, such as sweetening beverages or as a topping for fruit.
Erythritol is heat-stable and can be used in baking, but it does not caramelize or brown like table sugar does. It can also have a slightly grainy texture when used in high concentrations.
![Friends having coffee together tea and coffee](https://intelligentsugar.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AdobeStock_178085793-scaled.jpeg)
Your Personal Sugar Strategy
One of the challenges when replacing classic sugars, with Dr Coy’s healthy sugars, is that they have different properties:
- Some are great for baking, others are better for ice-cream.
- Some taste super sweet, others much less so.
- Some have the same calories as classic sugars, others have less.
Also, we each have different needs when it comes to energy, and preferred levels of sweetness:
- An athlete needs more energy than an office worker.
- Some people prefer sweeter tastes.
- Weight loss and diabetes also have unique metabolic needs.
So, to make it easier, Dr. Coy developed sugar mixtures based on personal and functional needs.
![woman-baking-cake](https://intelligentsugar.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/woman-baking-cake.png)