Sugar alcohols are another class of sweeteners that can be used as a substitute for sugar. Examples include mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. The FDA has determined that sugar alcohols are generally recognized as safe for use in foods and beverages. However, eating any particular type of added sugar has no health advantage.
Sweeteners such as fruit juice, honey, molasses and maple syrup contain natural sugar and have some nutritional benefits. The fruit has fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Even raw honey and maple syrup may contain antioxidants and minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and potassium. The best plan is to completely break up with added and artificial sugar.
This 12-step guide will help you do just that. When you need a little sweetness, check out this list, choose the healthiest sugar substitute for the given situation, and use the least amount possible. Like artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols are created synthetically (usually from the sugars themselves). People may choose to substitute refined white sugar for less processed sugars, such as fruit juice or maple syrup.
Stevia doesn't affect blood sugar the same way table sugar does, and one study showed that it may even help lower blood pressure. It is the only calorie-free sweetener made with sugar and considered to be the last international substitute for calorie-free sugar. A sugar substitute (artificial sweetener) is a food additive that doubles the effect of sugar on flavor, but generally has less dietary energy. Most Americans consume too much added sugar in the form of refined sweeteners such as white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
If you're trying to reduce sugar and calories from your diet, you may be turning to artificial sweeteners or other sugar substitutes. A sweet taste induces an insulin response, causing blood sugar to be stored in tissues, but because blood sugar does not increase with artificial sweeteners, hypoglycemia occurs and food intake increases. Human and animal research indicates that replacing sugar with stevia can help prevent weight gain and lower blood sugar levels (1). A sugar substitute is a food additive that doubles the effect of sugar on flavor, but generally has less dietary energy.
