Sugar substitute: a product for diabetics, athletes and people who follow a diet

A sugar substitute is an integral part of the diet of people with diabetes, athletes and those who aspire to healthy and proper nutrition. Of course, it is not necessary to use it, but if it is necessary to exclude sweetness from the prescription of a doctor or a nutritionist, and you do not know how to live without it, then this is exactly what you need.

What are sweeteners? Well, first of all, they are subdivided into natural (natural) and artificial (synthetic).

Natural substitute for sugar. Kinds. Advantages and disadvantages

The natural substitute for sugar is so called, that is contained in plants, berries, fruits and even some vegetables. The most common natural sweeteners are fructose, honey, sorbitol and xylitol. They can be used for diabetes, because, when converted to glucose, they practically do not increase the blood sugar level because of the slow biochemical transformation.

Fructose is much sweeter than sugar, therefore it is used in small amounts as a sugar substitute. For diabetics, it is allowed, since it does not increase sugar, although it is harmful to the heart. The amount of calories that enter the body when it is consumed is so insignificant that it is the most acceptable option for athletes and those who lose weight.

Sorbitol in large quantities is concentrated in apricots and mountain ash. It is applied by diabetics, but absolutely not prigozh for growing thin. Its calorie content is almost equal to the calorie content of sugar, but to taste it is 2-3 times less sweet. With frequent use, it causes indigestion and weight gain.

Xylitol is not inferior in calorie content to sugar, but does not affect its level in the blood. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetics, but athletes and slimming people are prohibited from using it. Xylitol stimulates metabolic processes in the body and improves the state of tooth enamel. Side effect with prolonged use of this drug is indigestion.

Stevia is a plant from which drinks, powder or tablets are made, used as a substitute for sugar. Its main difference from all others is the complete absence of contraindications: it is low-calorie, does not raise sugar and promotes weight loss.

Artificial sweetener. Kinds. Advantages and disadvantages

Artificial sweeteners (sweets) do not affect the sugar content in the blood and practically do not contain calories. This suggests that they can be used by diabetics and slimming people. Their distinguishing feature is that they are tens, even hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.

Saccharin is several hundred times sweeter than sugar, but it has no calories and it is not absorbed by the body. With all this, it is recommended to use it extremely rarely, since it contains carcinogens that can cause serious illnesses. In Europe it has long been banned.

Cyclamate slightly inferior to the sweetness of saccharin, but it is also low-calorie and is used by people who are trying to lose weight. This sugar substitute is rarely used by Europeans, despite its reasonable price. It is not recommended for people with kidney failure, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

Aspartame is used to sweeten drinks and prepare confectionery. This substitute is prohibited for people suffering from phenylketonuria.

Acesulfame potassium is used for drinks and baking. It does not contain calories, although it is much sweeter than sugar, as are other sugar substitutes. With diabetes, it can be used in the daily diet, as it is quickly eliminated from the body and does not increase blood sugar levels. Acesulfame has several disadvantages: it affects the heart and central nervous system.

Sukrasite is also allowed for diabetics. It is not digested by the body, does not increase sugar and is most economical among other products of this series. One of the components of sucrasite is toxic, therefore it can be consumed only in limited quantities.