Yahoo Lifestyle The skinny on sugar substitutes
Artificial sweeteners are now being linked to expanding waistlines. Photo: Edward Urrutia
Once the oh-so-sweet solution for staying in shape, artificial sweeteners are now being linked to expanding waistlines.
Somewhat ironically, research suggests pseudo sugars and the real deal can trigger similar responses in your body. Still, there’s no need to swear off sweet treats for life: evidence suggests some sweeteners are better than others. This is what you need to know about the key players on the market.
AGAVE
This naturally sweet plant syrup can be up to 90% fructose - and has 84 kilojoules (20 cal) per teaspoon. But it’s 25% sweeter than sugar, so you can get away with using less. Our tip: use a dark agave, for more minerals and a richer flavor - it blends well with coffee.
SUCRALOSE
Kilojoule-free and 600
times sweeter than sugar, (yes, really) nutritionists consider this one of the better options. The reason? It’s derived from real sugar, not chemicals and has been much studied. Bonus: there’s no bitter aftertaste.
More: How quitting sugar changed my life
STEVIA
Fairly new to the market, this powdered extract of the stevia plant is all natural and 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, yet has zero kilojoules. As well as granular and powder form, you can also buy it in tablet or liquid form - handy!
SACCHARIN
In the ’70s animal studies prompted US authorities to name saccharin a likely carcinogen, but no such link was found in human studies, so in the year 2000 it was declared safe to consume. Since the body can’t digest it, try to keep your intake to a minimum.
More: 12 sugar smart snacks under 200 calories
ASPARTAME
About 200 times sweeter than sugar, aspartame (used in packaged foods and sold under brand names like Equal) was once thought to be linked to cancer, but experts have found it safe for use, saying no problems have been consistently tied to its consumption.
GALLERY: 11 weird things sugar does to your body
Related:
Which natural sweetener is best?
What does a high-sugar diet do to your body?
