If you read food labels on a regular basis, you already know that sugar is in just about everything…even products where you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find it (like soups and sauces).
And make no mistake…sugar is not great for your health. The excess consumption of sugar and other refined carbohydrates has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
It’s no wonder people have been looking for alternatives.
But are sugar substitutes any better than the real stuff? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both artificial and plant-based sugar substitutes.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are chemical compounds that taste sweet but have almost no calories. This category includes sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose.
Another artificial sweetener, erythritol, is often used to provide bulk for both artificial and plant-based sweeteners.
Pros of Artificial Sweeteners:
- They’re cheap and widely available
- They’re low or zero calorie
- They don’t cause spikes in blood sugar
- Sucralose can also be used in baking
Cons of Artificial Sweeteners:
- They often have a bitter or metallic aftertaste
- Some studies have linked the use artificial sweeteners to health issues like an increased risk for developing cancer
Plant-Based Sweeteners
Plant-based sweeteners come from natural sources. Two of the most popular plant-based sweeteners are stevia and monk fruit.
Stevia comes from the leaves of the stevia plant, and monk fruit sweeteners are made from monk fruit extract.
Pros of Plant-Based Sweeteners:
- They are derived from plant-based sources
- They have few or no calories
- They don’t affect blood sugar levels
- They have no bitter aftertaste
Cons of Plant-Based Sweeteners:
- They are often more expensive than artificial sweeteners
- They can be harder to find
- Some people may not like the taste
- They are frequently mixed with erythritol, which may pose health risks in large quantities
What Does This Mean For You?
For most people, a little sugar is okay.
But if you’re overweight, prediabetic, or suffer from diabetes, it’s a different story.
If you fall into one of these categories, most sugar substitutes in small quantities provide a safe way to enjoy sweets without the risk of dangerous spikes in blood sugar.
As it is with most things, moderation is the key.
If you need help managing your weight and/or blood sugar…or you just want to stay healthy as you age…the experts at Renew Youth are here for you. To get started, call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.