Is Sugar-Free better for you?
Everywhere you look, you find "sugar-free" and "zero calories" food and beverages. There is a misconception that these products are better than consuming products that contain sugar.
Are Sugar-Free products better for you?
Traditionally, sugar-free products contain an artificial sweetener known as aspartame. Aspartame is a white and odorless crystalline molecule containing two amino acids that are sweet in flavor without calories. There are currently over 4,000 products on the market that contain this sugar-free ingredient, including Equal, Nutri-sweet, Diet Coke, mints, gum, and sugar-free foods.
Studies have found that aspartame does not increase blood sugar levels and is considered a good choice for individuals with diabetes. Products containing aspartame are often labeled as diet products and are associated with weight loss. However, some studies have found that this zero-calorie artificial sweetener can cause weight gain. Consuming aspartame can increase hunger and cause one to overeat.
Although Aspartame is FDA approved, there are reports of over 91 side effects. Including headaches, dizziness, mood changes, nausea, and stomach pain. More chronic side effects can include multiple sclerosis, ALS, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, brain lesions, epilepsy, and hormone problems.
Are there natural sugar-free sweeteners?
Stevia is a "natural " sugar-free alternative that contains zero calories. Stevia is a natural herb found in South America and used by indigenous people, and stevia leaves are 100 times sweeter than sugar and do not contain sugar or calories.
Splenda is a popular product made from stevia. Although derived from a plant, Splenda is highly processed and only contains a portion of the plant's extract. In addition, studies have found that after three hours, blood glucose levels are the same as if you consume sugar.
But the question remains, is a "sugar-free" alternative good for you?
Stevia may be a safer sugar alternative than an artificial sweetener with fewer side effects.
Some benefits of stevia extract may include:
anti-inflammatory
anticancer
antidiabetic
antioxidant
blood-pressure-lowering
Natural options are always best when it comes to your health and nutrition. Despite being processed, a product containing stevia is a much better option than any product that contains aspartame.
If you crave sweetness and want to avoid sugar, I would buy a stevia plant and experiment with its leaves. You can also experiment with dried stevia leaves, and you can find both the live plants and dried leaves on Amazon.