It’s no secret that sugar can have devastating effects on
your health. The more you consume, the more you put yourself at risk for
obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, accelerated aging, poor immunity and heart
disease, among other serious health issues. Cutting it out of your diet is
often easier said than done, thanks to sugar’s highly addictive properties. In
an effort to help curb sugar cravings and reduce consumption, researchers came
up with a plan: artificial sweeteners.
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While low-calorie and zero-calorie options are enticing to
many consumers, studies show that artificial sweeteners like sucralose — aka
Splenda — can increase your risk of numerous health issues, including
cancer. Erythritol is another popular option in the sweetener market. It’s a
sugar alcohol derived from fermenting the glucose of cornstarch, resulting in
fewer calories and a taste that’s slightly less sweet than regular sugar. Erythritol is one of the
main ingredients in the well-known sweetener product Truvia. Unfortunately,
sugar alcohols also come with dangerous side effects.
Erythritol is not digested or metabolized once consumed.
Instead, it enters the bloodstream and is largely excreted in your urine.
Studies show the sugar alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, and
only about 10 percent of the consumed amount enters the colon. Erythritol can
be a dangerous choice, especially for diabetics who choose “sugar-free” items
and believe the product contains zero traces of any type of sugar. Sugar
alcohols are commonly used in “sugar-free” products. When a diabetic consumes
these products, their blood sugar levels can rise and contribute to elevated
glucose levels.
Even for those who aren’t diabetic, sugar alcohols can lead
to unwanted side effects. Consumption may cause various digestive problems,
including flatulence, bloating and diarrhea.
If you’re looking for a healthy sugar substitute, skip the
artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, and try something natural instead. Stevia is a plant known
for its incredibly sweet-tasting leaves. When used in moderation, stevia may
help promote a healthy weight, fight harmful bacteria, help regulate blood
pressure and even help manage diabetes. Luo han guo is another
great natural sweetener option. It’s a sweet fruit from China that’s packed
with vitamin C and offers anti-inflammatory properties. Even with natural sweeteners,
remember to always use in moderation.