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Bigger quantities of birch sugar lead to gastrointestinal problems
In recent years, more and more alternatives to conventional table sugar have appeared in this country. One of them is birch sugar, which has significantly fewer calories. However, not too much of it should be consumed - otherwise there are health problems.
Alternatives to table sugar
For health reasons, it is generally advisable to abstain from sweetening, as high sugar intake may be associated with problems such as tooth decay, diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular disease. In the past, fructose was often recommended as an alternative, but even this is not healthy sugar, as scientific studies showed. And even the highly praised sweetener Stevia has not started triumphant. Another alternative is birch sugar. But again, do not consume too much.
Birch sugar is very similar to table sugar and also has the same sweetness, but significantly less calories. However, high consumption threatens health problems. (Photo: katharinarau / fotolia.com) Significantly fewer calories with the same sweetening power
Birch sugar looks very similar to table sugar and also has the same sweetening power, but only about 40 percent of calories. As the consumer service Bayern explained on its website, this sugar is not obtained from birch sap, but it is the sugar alcohol xylitol.
Since it also inhibits the growth of caries bacteria, it has long been used in sugar-free and tooth-friendly chewing gum and candy.
Gastrointestinal problems due to too much birch sugar
Nevertheless, one should use the sweetener sparingly, because otherwise gastrointestinal problems threaten: "When used excessively, xylitol, like other sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol) is bloating and laxative," the experts write.
According to the consumer service, however, the organism gradually gets used to xylitol. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the tolerated amount to up to 150 g of xylitol per day for adults or about 40 g for children.
Birch sugar, which is also available under the names "birch gold" or "Xucker", can be used, among other things, for sweetening drinks, cooking and baking.
Invigorating birch sap
In addition to birch sugar, birch sap has become quite popular. Its calorie content is only five kilocalories per 100 ml. He should even serve the health.
"According to the vernacular, it has an invigorating effect, helps with detoxification and relieves headaches. Positive ingredients include potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium, "reports the consumer information service aid. (Ad)