Beware of Sugar!

More than ever, people are consuming large amounts of sugar as part of their daily diet. But in excess, sugar can take its toll. Eating large amounts of sugar adds extra calories, which can cause weight gain. So many people opt for artificial sweeteners, it also referred to as sugar substitutes or low-calorie sweeteners as a way to enjoy their favorite foods without as many calories.

Artificial sweeteners are chemicals or natural compounds that offer the sweetness of sugar without as many calories. Because the substitutes are much sweeter than sugar, it takes a much smaller quantity to create the same sweetness. Products made with artificial sweeteners have a much lower calorie count than do those made with sugar. Artificial sweeteners are often used as part of a weight-loss plan or as a means to control weight gain.

People with diabetes may use artificial sweeteners because they make food taste sweet without raising blood sugar levels. But keep in mind that if you do have diabetes, some foods containing artificial sweeteners such as sugar-free yogurt. It can still affect your blood sugar level due to other carbohydrates or proteins in the food. Some foods labeled "sugar-free" such as sugar-free cookies and chocolates may contain sweeteners, which contain calories and can affect your blood sugar level. Also, remember that foods containing sugar substitutes may also contain calories that may undermine your ability to lose weight and control blood sugar.

There are several types of artificial sugar......

Acesulfame-K :

~ the K refers to potassium, the form of this substance used commercially is the potassium salt.

~ approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Because acesulfame-K is heat-stable, it can be used in cooking and baking.

~ it is not metabolized in the human body. Thus, it provides no calories and does not influence potassium intake despite its potassium content.

Aspartame :

~ approximately 180 times sweeter than sugar. Therefore, only very small amounts that provide very few calories are necessary to sweeten a food or beverage.

~ unstable if subjected to prolonged heating and therefore cannot be used in baking or cooking.

~ also decomposes in liquids during prolonged storage.

Neotame :
~ it is intensely sweet, with a sweetness potency at least 7000 times that of sugar and at least 30 times that of aspartame.

~ because neotame is extraordinarily sweet, the amount needed to sweeten a food or beverage is extremely small.

~ it is heat stable and thus can be used in cooking and baking. It does not contribute to tooth decay.

Saccharin :

~ it is 300 times sweeter than sugar.

~ passes through the human body intact, providing no food energy. Thus, its caloric content is zero.

~ it is the least expensive of the low-calorie sweeteners, but its suitability for some food applications is limited because its sweet taste is accompanied by bitterness.

Sucralose :

~ it is made from sugar, the human body does not recognize it as a sugar and does not metabolize it. Therefore, it provides no calories.

~ it is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and it is heat-stable during cooking and baking.

~ it can be used in a wide variety of foods and beverages.

How To Cut Back On Sugar In Others Way?

• Gradually cut down the amount of sugar in tea, coffee and cereals.
• Beware of chocolate, cakes, biscuits and sweets.
• Cut down on jams, honey, marmalade, syrup and treacle.
• Use low sugar versions of your favourite desserts and sweets.
• Buy tinned fruit in natural juice instead of syrup.
• Avoid buying sugar and honey coated breakfast cereals.