My blog readers know that I have spent a lot of time talking about the harmful and sneaky ways that sugar operates. I understand the feedback I have received, and I know it is very hard to give up sugar. The craving is like an addiction.
So, what to do? What would make a good substitute? I researched the subject, and the Center for the Public Interest has done some work on this subject. According to senior scientist Lisa Y. Lefferts, there are both good and bad options. This is the outline of their report.
The major sugar substitutes fall in three main categories. They are:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
2. Natural High Potency Sweeteners
3. Sugar Alcohols.
I will leave off the chemical names to make this easier to understand, and I have included the Centers reconditions.
Artificial Sweeteners:
1. Advantamine : Safe
2. Equal : Avoid
3. Equal , Nutrasweet : Avoid
4. Sweet and Low : Avoid
5. Splenda : Caution
Natural High Potency Sweeteners:
1. Stevia leaf extract : Safe
Sugar Alcohols:
1. Nectreese : Safe in Moderation
2. Xylotol : same
3. Sorbitol : same
4. Manitol : same
So, what do we have here? Some pretty good substitutes. Advantame is new on the market and should be available soon. Meanwhile we have Stevia. Originally from a plant leaf that grows naturally in Brazil, it is now is grown in California. It is processed in different ways so each brand tastes a bit different.
I personally use a product called “Stevia in the Raw“. It is available in most all markets. Does it taste just like sugar? No. But it is sweet and satisfies my cravings for sweets. Give it a try.
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Allan Melnick, DDS
