Sugar Substitutions
Alternatives to White Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar replacements have become popular in recent times for consumers looking to lose or watch their weight or to help manage other health concerns. There has been concern, however, over whether or not these artificial sweeteners are healthy. For consumers not yet convinced of the safety claims behind artificial sweeteners, there are alternatives available.
The Skinny on Artificial Replacements
The FDA has approved four sugar replacements for use as food additives – saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K, and sucralose. While the FDA supports study assertions showing that saccharin has been linked to bladder cancer in lab rats, it stands behind its claims that aspartame is safe to ingest.
“Acesulfame-K was discovered in 1967 and is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar. Acesulfame-K is a highly stable, crystalline sweetener with a chemical structure similar to saccharin,” states Charles E. Ophardt in the Virtual Chembook from Elmhurst College.
The use of chlorine molecules to make Sucralose from sugar has also caused concern with a number of consumers.
For those seeking an alternative to these popular artificial sweeteners, there are other replacements that are not artificial.
Natural Sweeteners
Agave syrup comes from the agave plant and has been popular in Mexico and Central America for years. It has been well-received among consumers seeking a healthier sweetener. “Agave syrup ranks low on the glycemic index, meaning it doesn't raise blood sugar levels as quickly as sugar or honey. It's slightly lower in calories than other sweeteners, and it aids digestion,” writes Amanda Gold in the 2008 San Francisco Chronicle article “Food Conscious: Just a spoonful of agave syrup.”
Stevia is a sweetener that comes from a plant native to South America and has been used as a sweetener there for many years. It has also been popular in Japan, but has not been approved here by the FDA as a food additive and is therefore available in health food stores as a dietary supplement.
Another sugar replacement is organic, raw sugar. It is not bleached or over-processed, making it a healthier product than white table sugar. However, this sugar is metabolized in the same way as regular sugar and is therefore not a suitable replacement for diabetics.
As a final note, each of these products has controversy over whether or not they are healthy. Whatever your reasons for seeking a sugar replacement, use common sense when making a selection. The ultimate method in determining which one is best for you is by noting how your body feels before, during, and after consumption. While some side-effects may take years to appear, take note that most products which have been less processed and have fewer additives, especially artificial ones, are generally better for good health.
Healthy Replacements to Sugar
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles