Natural Sweeteners: Don't Be Fooled, Find The Natural Sweetener That Works Best For You
Friday, 28 August 2009 17:58 | 
Written by Jamis Hartley |
If you are currently on a diet for weight loss or due to a medical condition, you may be kicking around the idea of using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. This subject can be confusing when you do not have the information you need to make the decision that is right for you. The following should help you learn just a little about the difference between natural sweeteners so you can figure out which one or ones that fit into your lifestyle.
If you are currently on a diet for weight loss or due to a medical condition, you may be kicking around the idea of using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. This subject can be confusing when you do not have the information you need to make the decision that is right for you. The following should help you learn just a little about the difference between natural sweeteners so you can figure out which one or ones that fit into your lifestyle.
* Sugar: Has a Glycemic Index of 60 and 4 calories per gram
* Xylitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 13 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Sorbitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 9 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Isomalt: Has a Glycemic Index of 8 and 2.1 calories per gram
* Maltitol Syrup: Has a Glycemic Index of 52 and 3 calories per gram
* Lactitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 6 and 3 calories per gram
* Erythritol: Has a Glycemic Index of 0 and .2 calories per gram
From the list above you can narrow things down pretty quickly by looking at the Glycemic Index. In addition to the Glycemic Index you might consider that only Erythritol and Xylitol will not cause tooth decay. The way the body digests these natural sweeteners is probably the most important thing to look at. Only one of the above is reportedly the easiest on your digestive system, Erythritol. Because Erythritol is digested mostly in the small intestine and excreted through the bladder it will not cause the uncomfortable digestive issues as the others.
In addition, if you have diabetes, Erythritol is the better choice as it does not affect blood sugar. Its sweetness is 70% to that of sugar, but it is better for your body than sugar and it does not promote tooth decay. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits like melons, pears and grapes. It can be used in recipes, on foods and in cold or hot drinks just like sugar. When it comes to natural sweeteners Erythritol is becoming more popular for people that are dieting and those with diabetes. You can find more information on natural sweeteners online in order to make the best choice for you.
If you are currently on a diet for weight loss or due to a medical condition, you may be kicking around the idea of using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. This subject can be confusing when you do not have the information you need to make the decision that is right for you. The following should help you learn just a little about the difference between natural sweeteners so you can figure out which one or ones that fit into your lifestyle.
* Sugar: Has a Glycemic Index of 60 and 4 calories per gram
* Xylitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 13 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Sorbitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 9 and 2 and a half calories per gram
* Isomalt: Has a Glycemic Index of 8 and 2.1 calories per gram
* Maltitol Syrup: Has a Glycemic Index of 52 and 3 calories per gram
* Lactitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 6 and 3 calories per gram
* Erythritol: Has a Glycemic Index of 0 and .2 calories per gram
From the list above you can narrow things down pretty quickly by looking at the Glycemic Index. In addition to the Glycemic Index you might consider that only Erythritol and Xylitol will not cause tooth decay. The way the body digests these natural sweeteners is probably the most important thing to look at. Only one of the above is reportedly the easiest on your digestive system, Erythritol. Because Erythritol is digested mostly in the small intestine and excreted through the bladder it will not cause the uncomfortable digestive issues as the others.
In addition, if you have diabetes, Erythritol is the better choice as it does not affect blood sugar. Its sweetness is 70% to that of sugar, but it is better for your body than sugar and it does not promote tooth decay. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits like melons, pears and grapes. It can be used in recipes, on foods and in cold or hot drinks just like sugar. When it comes to natural sweeteners Erythritol is becoming more popular for people that are dieting and those with diabetes. You can find more information on natural sweeteners online in order to make the best choice for you.
About the Author:
Jamis Hartley has been in hot pursuit of sugar reducing and nutrient rich foods for years as an athlete and health conscious human being. Jamis has recently found Erythritol as the preferred of all Natural Sweeteners for its taste, digestive and physical properties. Go now to DoctorGrands.com to discover more about Natural Sweeteners and other sugar free healthy whole foods.