Sugar alcohols are absorbed at 50% of the rate of sugars, resulting in less of an effect on blood sugar levels as measured by comparing their effect to sucrose using the glycemic index.
Interestingly recent research is starting to show we have a hormonal response based on the perceived sweetness of what we eat. It's quite possible these alcohols and even things like Splenda, etc, are no better than actual sugar.
It is a really cool sugar. It is similar to honey in consistency and is used a lot in confectionery. It is “optically inverted” from its original sugars which I don’t understand what that means.
These aren't words for sugar, these are words for things that contain sugar. Brown sugar for example has molasses added to it. Barley malt syrup is a specific thing derived from, yes, barley.
Yea that list is by no means comprehensive especially as an ingredients list in food products, and is missing a very common one (sucralose, derived from cane sugar). Thanks tho!