Mannitol is a type of sugar alcohol used in various applications.
## Uses
1. *Medical applications*: Mannitol is used as an osmotic diuretic to reduce intracranial pressure and treat cerebral edema.
2. *Food industry*: It's used as a sweetener, humectant, and texturizer in food products, such as sugar-free gum and candies.
3. *Pharmaceutical applications*: Mannitol is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
## Properties
1. *Low glycemic index*: Mannitol has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes.
2. *Osmotic properties*: Mannitol's osmotic properties help reduce water absorption in the body.
## Benefits
1. *Reduced intracranial pressure*: Mannitol helps reduce intracranial pressure in medical settings.
2. *Sugar-free alternative*: It's a popular sugar-free alternative in food products.
