Natural Sugar Substitutes

A sugar substitute is an artificial sweetener, used as a food preservative that duplicates the effect and taste of sugar or corn syrup. Sugar substitutes usually provide much less food energy than the real thing. These compounds are sweeter than sucrose; as a result very little sweetener is required as a food additive. Most sugar substitutes permitted for use in food are artificially synthesized compounds. However, there are some natural sugar substitutes. The most common natural sugar substitute is stevia. Other well known natural sugar substitutes are sorbitol and xylitol, which are found in berries, fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. Although they are natural sugar substitutes they can also be produced synthetically for bulk food production, thereby lowering the costs of production. There are many natural sugar substitutes that are not officially approved for use in food.

Stevia, a natural sugar substitute, is a very sweet herb found in South America. It is mostly available at health-food stores powder or liquid form. Stevia usually comes with FOS, or “fruit ogilio-saccharides”. They are beneficial and support healthy intestinal bacteria, or flora. You will find stevia with FOS in the form of a non-nutritive powder at health-food stores or in the health-food section of your grocery store.

Single blossom honey, for example red clover honey or orange blossom honey, is a natural sugar substitute that is low-glycemic. This is a great way to sweeten your beverages, tea or coffee. Agave nectar is also a widely used natural sugar substitute. Both these types of sugar substitutes are very high in caloric value and high in carbohydrates, so they should be used sparingly.

Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is a natural sugar substitute which can be used for baking and sweetening beverages. Xylitol is low-glycemic and is very healthy. It helps to control blood sugar imbalances and prevents yeast overgrowth. It also promotes bone health and prevents tooth decay and plaque buildup. The only disadvantage comes from eating too much, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea.

Fructose is a natural low-glycemic sugar substitute mostly found in fruit. It is available in granulated form at health-food stores. Fructose is sweeter than regular table sugar, so very little is required. Research shows that use of fructose in soft drinks and beverages, and in processed foods, such as syrups and candy containing high-fructose corn syrup, leads to an increase in the lipids causing heart disease. Therefore you should use fructose sparingly as a sweetener and for baking.

Sucrose, or regular table sugar, is medium-glycemic and fine for most people if consumed in small amounts. Eating large amounts, for example in candy and baked goods, is not good for your heath.

Please review other areas of Nutritionzing.com to understand more about your body, its nutrition requirements, and mechanisms to ensure a satisfied and healthy lifestyle through good diet.