Definition: Sugar replacers are a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, usually with less food energy, commonly used on a one-for-one replacement basis for sugar in recipes. Issues: The replacement of high energy sugar with sugar replacers limits food energy intake so as to allow us to eat our usual food, at the same time control a desirable weight and prevent tooth decay.
However, extensive consumption may lead to side effects. Example: Xylitol, Date, Sugar, Stevia, maple sugar.Relative sweetness: is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose Energy content: produces four kilocalories of energy per gram Approved uses: Tabletop sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, yoghurt and confectionery. Artificial sweeteners Definition: sweeteners that are synthetic in nature, i. e. manufactured, rather than naturally occurring.
Issues: Although artificial sweeteners enhance flavor, but the human body may not be able to metabolize, digest or release them properly throughout our organs and systems. Extensive uses may even increase the risk of cancers and other life threatening diseases.Example: Acesulfame Potassium, Aspartame, Cyclamate, Neotame, Saccharin Relative sweetness: 200 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar Energy content: 17kJ per gram Acceptable daily intake: less than 5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. Approved uses: diet sodas, cereals, and sugar-free desserts such as ice cream.
Advantages: Using sugar replacers and artificial sweeteners can reduce cavities and tooth decay and lower body calories as some are zero-calorie, yet providing us with sweet tastes. They can also be used to reduce bitterness in medicinal products.It is beneficial for diabetics in terms of satisfying their craving for something sweet and people who are dieting to control their weight and prevent high blood pressure. In this way, less sugar is consumed and medical conditions such as osteoporosis and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals can be prevented. Eating artificial sweeteners is also a way to promote more lasting lifestyle changes because individuals feel less restricted and deprived as their desire for sweet taste is satisfied, which can be a start for building long-term healthy habits.
Disadvantages: However, these artificial sweeteners can lead to seizures, headaches and attention deficit disorders. Some people experience heart palpitations, constipation and swelling of certain body parts after consumption. Furthermore, extensive consumption of artificial sweeteners can result in addiction thus cause people to eat too much food, resulting in an increase in body weight, fat percentage and calorie intake.Some studies even suggest that they could damage your liver and can be detrimental to the health and development of the brain, as well as overall health. While they provide a sweet taste, artificial sweeteners lack the browning, tenderizing and moisture-retaining properties which are not suitable for baking. The tests and studies done on artificial sweeteners are still going on therefore it is best consumed in moderation.
