Last week, we shared information on sugar alternatives. We are going to continue listing sugar alternatives which may be on your list to try in hopes of cutting down on calories or sugar. Remember to speak with your Orlando stomach doctor located at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida about incorporating sugar alternatives into your diet.

Aspartame:

Although splenda and agave may be your usual sugar alternatives, aspartame may be in many sweet “zero sugar” foods you consume. Aspartame has been subjected to many studies in the last few years. Many drinks and foods have labels which boast “zero sugar” and “low calorie”.

For those with diabetes, this may be the only option for brownies, fruit drinks, and other normal, sugary food items. Because even natural fruit has sugar, those with diabetes or put on limited diets must reach for products with aspartame as it does not effect their health negatively, or at least not immediately.

Aspartame has been linked to cancer and other conditions such as chronic migraines. Speak to your nutritionist and gastroenterologist if aspartame is a good option for you. You usually see aspartame on restaurant tables in blue packets labeled Equal. Aspartame is also sold in light blue packets called Nutrasweet.

Many products have aspartame such as yogurt, gum, and even cough drops. There are zero calories in aspartame. The FDA says that in moderation, as everything else should be eaten, aspartame has not been proven to cause cancer. The FDA states it poses no threats in small moderation, but of course, listen to your own body and doctors.

The CSPI feels differently than the FDA. The CSPI gave it the lowest ranking when reviewing food additives. It is said that people with phenylketonuria, an inherited genetic disorder, should avoid it altogether.

High-fructose corn syrup:

This sweetener is not chosen for having less calories than table sugar. It has seventeen calories per teaspoon. Some studies share that high-fructose corn syrup contribute to obesity more than sucrose, table sugar, but other studies say it is not worse for health than sucrose.

This sweetener contains the sugars fructose and glucose from processed corn syrup. Many packaged foods such as cereal, granola bars, kids snacks, and sodas use high-fructose corn syrup because it extends the shelf life of the product.

Because this sweetener is not lower in calories and is not natural similar to agave or honey, heavily research this ingredient before implementing it into your family’s diet. Speak to your nutritional and stomach doctor as well.

Honey:

Now, this sweetener is natural and delicious. Honey is not lower in calories though. It has twenty-one calories per teaspoon.

Because honey is natural, most people do not mind that it is higher in calories because it is found in nature. Honey may not raise your blood sugar as fast as other sweet products because it is natural. This is best for your body, generally, because you do not want your blood sugar to dramatically spike.

It contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals too. However, because it is not low in calories, it should not be used in large amounts. Some studies say consuming local honey, within a few mile radius of where you live, may help with your allergies.

Any of the sweeteners mentioned today may be good alternatives to sugar if you have a sugar intolerance. Next week, we are going to share about three more sugar alternatives. Then, we will explain more about sugar intolerance and how our Orlando stomach doctor, or gastro doctor, may help you overcome this dietary, intestinal obstacle.

See you next time, and have a safe SPOOKY Halloween! You are sure to notice a few “sugar free” options.

Staff Writer