Natural Sweeteners: Don't Be Fooled, Find The Natural Sweetener That Works Best For You

By Jamis Hartley

The idea of consuming less sugar and replacing it with an all natural sweetener is becoming more available and quite popular. Many are looking for alternatives to sugar to help them lose weight, for some it's very important because of a medical condition and for others it's just a smart thing to do because of the health benefits. Whatever the reason, everyone should do some basic study to help determine how natural sweeteners will affect their body and which of the many choices is best for them. Here are some basics and recommendations to consider in your decision.

* Sugar: Has a Glycemic Index of 60 and 4 calories per gram

* Xylitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 13 and 2 and a half calories per gram

* Sorbitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 9 and 2 and a half calories per gram

* Isomalt: Has a Glycemic Index of 8 and 2.1 calories per gram

* Maltitol Syrup: Has a Glycemic Index of 52 and 3 calories per gram

* Lactitol: Has a Glycemic Index of 6 and 3 calories per gram

* Erythritol: Has a Glycemic Index of 0 and .2 calories per gram

Of the available natural sweeteners recognized as safe to consume there is really only one that stands above the rest. When comparing the Glycemic Index and carbohydrate levels (not listed) Erythritol seems to be the clear choice. It is interesting to note that the only two that do not cause tooth decay is Xylitol and Erythritol. Flavor would obviously be a very determining factor, but that is based only on personal preference as each will pass the test of being pleasingly sweet. The biggest and most important factor to separate Erythritol as the preferred natural sweetener is the method by which the body digests the sweetener. Erythritol is digested mostly in the small intestine and excreted through the bladder saving you the discomfort of the digestive issues caused by the other sweeteners.

In addition, if you have diabetes, Erythritol is the better choice as it does not affect blood sugar. Its sweetness is 70% to that of sugar, but it is better for your body than sugar and it does not promote tooth decay. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits like melons, pears and grapes. It can be used in recipes, on foods and in cold or hot drinks just like sugar. When it comes to natural sweeteners Erythritol is becoming more popular for people that are dieting and those with diabetes. You can find more information on natural sweeteners online in order to make the best choice for you. - 17274

About the Author:

Jamis Hartley has been searching for sugar reducing and nutrient rich foods for years as an athlete and health conscious human being. Jamis has since discovered Erythritol as the preferred of all Natural Sweeteners for its taste, digestive and physical properties. Visit DoctorGrands.com to discover more about Natural Sweeteners and other sugar free healthy whole foods.