A sugar substitute is an integral part of the diet of people with diabetes, athletes and those who aspire to a healthy and proper diet.
What are sweeteners? Well, first of all, they are subdivided into natural (natural) and artificial (synthetic).
Natural substitute for sugar. Kinds. Advantages and disadvantages
A natural substitute for sugar, and sois said to be contained in plants, berries, fruits and even some vegetables. The most common natural sweeteners are fructose, honey, sorbitol and xylitol. They can be used in diabetes, because, when converted to glucose, they practically do not increase the blood sugar level due to a slow biochemical transformation.
Fructose is much sweeter than sugar, soUsed in small quantities 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 during its use is so insignificant that it is the most acceptable option for athletes and those who lose weight.
Sorbitol in large quantities is concentrated inapricots and mountain ash. It is used by diabetics, but absolutely not prigozh for losing weight. Its calorie content is almost equal to the calorie content of sugar, and 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 notaffects its level in the blood. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetics, but athletes and people who lose weight use it is prohibited. 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 it is madebeverages, powder or tablets used as a substitute for sugar. Its main difference from all the 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) are notaffect 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 inIt 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 andbaking. 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.
