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

Some of these natural sweeteners can cause more digestive problems. Also some, as you can see have a higher Glycemic Index than the others as well as carbohydrates (not included in the list). The only one that does not cause digestive problems is Erythritol. Erythritol, like Xylitol will not cause tooth decay, but Xylitol can cause digestive issues for some. The reason Erythritol does not affect digestion like the others is that it is partially absorbed by the small intestine and is excreted via the bladder (approximately 60-90%). This makes it a more suitable solution for those with current digestive problems.

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. - 17273

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 recently discovered Erythritol as the best of all Natural Sweeteners for its taste, digestive and physical properties. Visit DoctorGrands.com to learn more about Natural Sweeteners and other sugar free healthy whole foods.