Artificial sweeteners, commonly referred to as non-nutritive sweeteners or sugar substitutes, are substances that are added to food and drink recipes instead of sugar. They are popular among those trying to maintain their blood sugar levels or manage their weight since they provide sweetness without the high calorie content of sugar. Below is a quick summary of several popular sugar alternatives:Aspartame: One of the most popular alternatives to sugar is aspartame. It is commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie or sugar-free products. It is around 200 times sweeter than sucrose, or table sugar. For those who suffer from the uncommon genetic condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU), aspartame may not be appropriate.Sucralose: Although it is formed of sugar, the body does not metabolize sucrose in the same manner. It is used in many foods and drinks, such as soft drinks, baked products, and canned fruits, and is almost 600 times sweeter than sucrose. Since sucralose withstands heat better than aspartame, it can be used in baking and cooking.Stevia: The leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant are used to make this natural sweetener. It is frequently complimented for having 0 calories and no impact on blood sugar levels. Stevia is a popular tabletop sweetener and ingredient in processed foods. It comes in a variety of forms, such as liquid extracts and powdered forms. Monk Fruit Extract: Luo han guo, or monk fruit extract, is another naturally occurring sweetener made from the monk fruit. It has no calories and is incredibly sweet—even more so than stevia. To counteract its strong sweetness, monk fruit extract is frequently combined with other sweeteners.Erythritol: Some fruits and fermented foods naturally contain erythritol, a sugar alcohol. It has only around 6% of the calories of sucrose but about 70% of its sweetness. Sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods are common products that use erythritol because it can add sweetness without producing the gastrointestinal problems that some other sugar alcohols can. Although many people find sugar replacements to be an appealing alternative to sugar, it's important to take them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. In light of certain evidence indicating that consuming certain sugar substitutes in excess may have detrimental impacts on health, it's advisable to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about using them.
