Sugar-free chewing gums have been the subject of controversy due to the effects they produce on health, due to their sugar substitute components.
The presence of sweetener additives among its ingredients can cause more harm than good, especially if it is consumed excessively. Among the most used in its preparation are sorbitol and sorbitol syrup, manifold or xylitol.
Gum to lose weight
- Usually these chewing gums are consumed to avoid the sugars that traditional chewing gum contains, even to reduce the sensation of appetite in people who are following a slimming diet or with problems of overweight and obesity.
- According to a study by the Department of Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University in the United Kingdom, chewing this type of gum causes, in the short term, a feeling of satiety and reduces the consumption of snacks and sweets.
- In addition, since it does not contain sugar, it does not increase the concentration of this substance in the blood, resulting in benefits for people with diabetes and high triglyceride levels.
Severe weight loss
- The problem with sugar-free chewing gum derives from the effects of sorbitol on the digestive system, since it is a substance that the small intestine does not assimilate correctly and that causes health complications if taken in excess.
- According to a study by German researchers published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), people who consumed high amounts of these products suffered from chronic diarrhea that had caused severe weight loss. The situation worsens in those affected by fructosemia, a type of genetic food intolerance in which sorbitol has toxic effects.
- Therefore, it must be taken into account that an addiction to sugar gum can be very harmful to health, but if an adequate consumption is taken, less than 50 grams of sorbitol, these products are not contraindicated by experts.