We know how harmful sugar can be... and so does the food industry. In order to continue to appeal to consumers, the food industry has created "sugar-free" alternatives to many popular products. In order to get the sweet flavor, without the calories and using sugar itself, these products are filled with sugar alcohols. You may have heard of vegetable glycerin, sucralose, aspartame, and erythritol, but don't let their fancy names fool you. These sugar substitutes are not as sweet as they seem. In fact, they're downright bad for your body. Here are five reasons why:

1. They mess with your gut: Sugar alcohols are notorious for causing digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. That's right... your sugar-free snack may be giving you the runs. 
2. They spike your blood sugar: While sugar alcohols have fewer calories than regular sugar, they can still cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. This can lead to cravings and energy crashes, making it harder to resist that mid-afternoon candy bar.
3. They're bad for your teeth: Just because sugar alcohols don't contain sugar doesn't mean they're tooth-friendly. In fact, they can still promote tooth decay and cavities. So, if you're looking for a sweet treat, stick to brushing and flossing.
4. They're not as "natural" as you think: Despite their name, sugar alcohols are not always derived from natural sources. Many are made through a chemical process, and some are even derived from genetically modified corn.
5. They're not a magic bullet: Let's face it, sugar alcohols are not a healthy alternative to sugar. They may have fewer calories, but they're still a processed food. If you're looking to improve your health, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods instead.

So, there you have it... Sugar alcohols may seem like a sweet solution, but they're just another example of how our obsession with sugar can lead us down a not-so-sweet path. If you want to indulge your sweet tooth, stick to natural sources of sugar like fruit or honey.