Most things changed over time. Last time you stopped by, you may have remembered some of the sugar alternatives, or sweeteners, we discussed. Many drinks and foods use sweeteners other than classic, table sugar.
Sugar alternatives in review:
We discussed honey, aspartame, and high-fructose corn syrup. On the packaging of candies today, you may notice vegan stamps or seals of approval. Read the ingredients.
And you may see the first ingredient mentioned as condensed fruit juice. This basically means, the candy’s first ingredient is natural, fruit syrup.
Now, let’s consider this. Does it make it healthier if the sweetener is natural? That has been a hot topic for quite some time now.
For many adults, they may have a different goals in mind for themselves as they would for their children. For example, adults may want lower calorie and lower sugar options. They may want to fit into a suit or dress this Holiday season that still has the tags on.
However, the children in the family may get to eat plenty of sugar, as long as it is found in organic or vegan products. They may be consuming sixty grams of sugar, but as long as it comes from fruit, it is okay with their parents. This is a highly debated topic, especially when discussing children’s diets where sugar is often the focus of attention.
We are not here to give our opinion and end this debate once and for all. Instead, we want to share more sweeteners, or sugar alternatives, and explain a little detail on each one. Then, we are eager to share symptoms people experience after or while consuming sugar, also called sucrose.
Stevia rebaudiana:
Stevia is made from the stevia rebaudiana plant. It is often seen as Truvia, Sweetleaf, and Sun Crystals as well. Manufacturers make stevia by extracting the chemical compounds called steviol glycosides.
Those chemical compounds are found in the leaves of the plant. This sweetener is a more natural option than common sugar, but it is highly-processed. For this reason, some people may not choose this sugar alternative.
Stevia is around three hundred times sweeter than regular sugar, or sucrose. The packets of Truvia may be filled way less than the packets of Sugar in the Raw because of just that. Stevia is calorie free and does not raise blood sugar levels.
Although it may be a lower calorie option, some people report bloating and upset stomach after eating Stevia. Because it is relatively new to the market, there may be more time passed before we find out much more about that.
Tagatose:
This sweetener is around ninety percent sweeter than sucrose. It is rare, but some fruits such as pineapples, oranges, and apples naturally provide tagatose according to Medical News Today. The glycemic index is a ranking that measures the speed at which a type of food increases a person’s blood sugar levels.
Some studies have found that tagatose has a low glycemic index. Unfortunately, tagatose may be hard to find in neighbors supermarkets. For this reason, going online may be your best bet.
Many Americans are aiming to reduce their bloating on a daily basis. Because of this, come into speak with our gastroenterologists to discuss your options. You may also find some sweetness help reduce your bloating and stomach aches.
One of these sugar alternatives may be your answer. Next week, we are sharing a handful more of sugar alternatives. Lastly, we are going to share about sugar intolerance along with other reasons why using sugar alternatives may improve your digestive health.
Thanks for stopping by, and we will see you next time. Happy Halloween!
Staff Writer