One cannot imagine a life without consuming sweetened foods, but eating those means adding calories to the body which results in unhealthy weight gain. More and more health conscious people are turning to sugar substitutes that have zero calories or are low in calories. All the sugar substitutes are chemical compounds with a sweet taste; every compound has different properties, benefits, and range of safety.
Saccharin
The artificial sweetener saccharin was first discovered in the year 1879 by a chemistry research assistant, Constantine Fahlberg and was later introduced to the public in the year, 1903. Saccharin is a low calorie sugar substitute that was extensively used in the two world wars when there was sugar shortage. It is a mixture of elements like oxygen, calcium, sodium and hydrogen. It is almost 200 to 700 times sweeter than normal sugar. It is available under the brand name ‘Sweet N’ low and Sweet Twin. It is used in baked goods, soft drinks, canned fruit, chewing gum, vitamins and minerals. After extensive research the safety of saccharin has been confirmed and a bill was passed by the United States Government in the year 2000.
Stevia
Stevia is a sugar substitute extracted from the plant Stevia rebaudiana found in South America. Stevia is 250 to 300 times sweeter than normal sugar and it does not have any calories. The brand names of stevia available are Truvia, Purevia and sweetleaf sweetener. It is used in baked goods, yogurt, candy, chewing gum, desserts, drinks and tabletop sweetener. Stevia has been approved by the United States Government as a food additive in 2008.
Sucralose (splenda)
Splenda or sucralose is a chemically modified sugar which is made in the laboratory. It is made from the chlorination of sugar in which three chlorine molecules are added to a single sugar molecule. The sucralose that is thus formed is not natural, and the body does not know how to break it. It just passes out of the body without getting digested or adding any calories to the body. That is the reason why it is also known as a zero calorie sweetener. Sucralose is used in sauces, juices, soft drinks, desserts, candy, canned fruits and baked foods. After research it has been found that there are affects that sucralose may cause which include swelling of the liver, calcification of kidneys, impairment of thymus gland, reproductive problems genetic mutations, skin irritation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, tremors, mood swings, depression, lightheadedness and panic attacks. Sucralose has been approved by the United States government in 1998 as safe for consumption when taken in moderation.
Sugar substitutes available in United States
The sugar substitutes available in the United states include saccharin (sweet twin, sweet N’ low); sucralose (splenda); Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal); Acesulfame K (Sweet one, sunett); Stevia (sweetleaf sweetener, truvia, purevia); sugar alcohols (maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol).
Health problems due to sugar substitutes
Artificial sweeteners are safe when used in moderation. According to extensive research conducted by the National Cancer institute there is no evidence that artificial sweeteners cause any cancer as it was once thought to be. Sugar substitute called asparatame should not be used by people having phenylketonuria (genetic disorder with deficiency of hepatic enzyme) as such people cannot metabolize the sugar substitute. Sugar alcohols when taken in large quantities between 10 grams to 50 grams can cause a laxative effect.
Sugar substitutes in pregnancy
During pregnancy, sugar substitutes are safe for mother and child if taken in moderation only. The non nutritive sweeteners that are safe during pregnancy and approved by the Food and drug administration (FDA) include Acesulfame potassium (sunett); Rebaudioside A (stevia); Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal); Sucralose (splenda).The sugar substitutes that are NOT safe during pregnancy are Saccharin (Sweet ‘N low) and Cyclamate (banned).
Health benefits of sugar substitutes
Sugar substitutes are non nutritive and have zero calories or low calories. Hence, they are ideal for preventing unhealthy weight gain. Artificial substitutes do not raise the blood sugar level like normal sugar and hence they are suitable for diabetics but it is advised that a diabetic patient should first consult a doctor or dietician before trying any sugar substitute. There is no tooth decay due to artificial sweeteners.
Additional information
It is reported that around 180 million Americans are using artificial sweeteners in their food and drinks. Artificial sweeteners are beneficial only when one knows how to use them in moderation.
