There are basically two kinds of sweeteners, the natural and the artificial. Both have proven its usefulness however, uses of artificial sweeteners are linked to some health issues.
The food industry has come up with a solution for people on diets or with diabetes that have a sweet tooth. They are known as artificial sweeteners and they are used in everything from chewing gum, coffee sweeteners, and even baking. There is some controversy over the use of them as some of them are totally synthetic and others are derived from the actual sugar plant. But to a diabetic who doesn’t want to give up on their favorite pop or chewing gum they can be a life-saver.
So generally speaking, artificial sweeteners can be useful in moderate use but awareness to health issues revolving with these artificial sweeteners should also be noted.
There are four different kinds of artificial sweeteners: saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium. Each of these types can be found under various product names and brands. Not all are made the same way and they have different uses. Some you can buy in liquid or powdered form for baking needs and others like aspartame is only found in foods that you purchase pre-made.
The use of these artificial sweeteners will not raise blood sugar and are safe for a diabetic to use. Care and attention is still needed because the food items you put sugar in or on most likely will have an effect on your blood sugar. Still follow your diabetic diet but use some artificial sweeteners to make it a little sweeter.
Aspartame has been linked in some medical studies with Alzheimer’s disease. Speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using any of the artificial sweeteners if you have any concerns about the potential health risks.
On the other hand, we have the natural sweeteners. Some of the best known sweeteners are:
1. Honey. Some use this as a substitute for sugar. You certainly can make this substitution, however, honey is very similar to sugar in carbohydrate content and the effects it will have on your blood glucose level. It is best to enjoy honey in small moderations if at all.
2. Coconut sugar. This is very low in its Glycemic Index and therefore, some people recommend this to use instead of plain sugar. I have tried this in several drinks and it works just fine. However, when I tried this in coffee, the taste is not to good. There is also a taste and smell of coconut in it.
3. Stevia. This is the trending natural sweetener as a substitute for sugar. I am personally using this most of the time because it doesn’t have any other “unnatural taste” like that of a coconut. With just a small amount, it is already enough to make your coffee sweet enough.
So there you go. you now have lots of choices in making your favorite recipe. What are you using right now? Share your experience below.
