**8. Polyols**

Polyol is an organic compound and low-calorie carbohydrate-based sweetener. It is a hydrogenated version of carbohydrates. Its taste and texture are like sugar with half the calories. Polyols are used as sugar-free and low-calorie ingredients in many foods. There are various types of polyols, such as erythritol, isomalt, polyglucitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, mannitol, sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol.

*Sources and Health Benefits of Functional Food Components DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104091*

#### **8.1 Sources**

Polyols are found in some fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms.

## **8.2 Function**

Polyols are used in different industries for making foods, such as ice cream, chewing gums, frozen desserts, candies, and baked goods [74]. They are also used for frostings, canned fruits, beverages, yogurt, and tabletop sweeteners. Polyols have some important health benefits and they maintain good oral health [75]. They are also used for weight control and reduction of dietary glycemic load [74]. Polyols may play an important role in the maintenance of human digestive health as these are low digestible carbohydrates [76]. Sometimes overconsumption of polyol-containing foods may have laxative effects [74].
