Sugarless! Sweet and healthy - natural substitutes

Humans are known to have a sweet tooth. We look for something to satisfy the need for the pleasant sensations that sugar gives every day. However, it is known that its abuse can harm the body. In search of a golden mean between the love of sweets and health, we go in search of a sugar substitute.

Such substitutes can be divided into artificial and natural.

Artificial sugar substitutes

Artificial products include products obtained as a result of chemical experiments, for example sorbitol . It is actively used in the food industry. Better known as food additive E420. Under this name it can be found in chewing gum and some dietary foods and drinks. In small quantities, it is harmless to humans and even, as a sugar substitute, can halve the amount of calories consumed. But it is less sweet than sugar. In addition, you need to be extremely careful with it. Excessive consumption can cause severe stomach pain. The daily norm is considered to be consumption of no more than 10 g of the substance.

Another product obtained artificially is xylitol . This food additive is assigned the number E967. It is made from birch bark, and its taste is almost indistinguishable from sugar. There is also an opinion among scientists that xylitol damages teeth less, which is why it is actively used in the production of chewing gum and toothpaste. However, do not forget that its excess is harmful to the body, as it can cause diarrhea.

Fructose . Without it, berries and fruits would be tasteless. A unique substance that is superior to sugar in all respects. Has a low glycemic index (31 versus 89 for sugar); the body does not require insulin for its absorption, which makes sweets accessible to patients with diabetes. But at the same time, fructose is one and a half times sweeter than sucrose. An excess of fructose in the body can cause liver and cardiovascular diseases. May cause excess weight and high blood pressure.

Natural sugar substitutes

Of course, nature itself turned out to be more inventive than scientists. She gave man a huge variety of natural sugar substitutes. We will talk about them in more detail.

One of the most ancient alternatives was licorice , also known to us as licorice root. Licorice grows in Europe, Asia, Africa, Western Siberia and the North Caucasus.

Anti-inflammatory properties are well known. Consuming licorice helps lower cholesterol levels, has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, and contains substances with expectorant properties. Therefore, licorice root is so actively used in medicine, prevention and treatment of many diseases.

The root itself is 50 times sweeter than cane sugar, and candy manufacturers could not help but note this. However, there may be serious consequences from consuming licorice. Licorice is contraindicated for people with high blood pressure and kidney disease. May cause decreased potassium levels, myopathy, and muscle cell destruction. All this can cause acute renal failure.

Maple syrup . A sweetener widely used in Canada. The first mention of syrup dates back to the 60s of the 18th century. The first to taste maple sap were the Indians who inhabited North America. Quebec, Canada, remains the world leader in maple syrup production to this day. The nutritional properties of maple syrup are superior to those of sugar. The syrup contains potassium, calcium, iron, and dextrose instead of sucrose. However, over time, syrup production began to give way to sugar cane production. Processing the cane turned out to be cheaper and easier. The taste properties of the syrup differ from the sugar we know, it contains notes of wood and has a delicate aroma.

For many centuries, humanity has been extracting another natural sweetener - honey .

Perhaps the most balanced product known to man. It contains all the microelements and substances necessary for a person in the correct proportions. Eating honey every day improves immunity and gives the body energy. Honey, of course, also has contraindications. It is a strong allergen and is therefore contraindicated for infants and diabetics. It should also be remembered that honey, although healthy, is still a high-calorie product, and its abuse can cause obesity. Also dangerous may be attempts to eat honey heated to a temperature of more than 40 degrees. In this state, substances are formed in the product that, in high concentrations, can cause paralysis and have a negative effect on the nervous system and liver.

Stevia herb . This sugar substitute http://stevita.ru/article/94-sakharozameniteli-naturalnyye has caused active discussion among scientists on the topic of eating it. There is no consensus on the positive and negative properties of the plant. But it is possible that scientists hope to see in it an ideal natural sweetener, which is accessible to diabetics and contains substances that are harmless to people.

Perhaps very soon we will be able to buy a sugar substitute in any store, the use of which will not only bring joy, but also protect human health. But so far such a universal substitute has not yet appeared in our stores. The main thing to remember when choosing your favorite sweetener is that it is not only tasty, but also healthy - do not overuse the quantity. And then nothing will overshadow the joy of sweet tea.