How to replace sugar? The different types of sweeteners that exist

 

Sugar is one of the most common health problems for Argentines. Given this situation, sweeteners appear, which give us the advantage of giving flavor to preparations without adding calories. Know all the supplements that exist.

Each Argentine consumes on average four times more sugar than recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), in foods such as soft drinks, sweets and infusions. 114 grams of sugar are consumed daily per inhabitant, four times the recommended amount.

What is the difference between sugar and sweetener?

Sugar, whether it be white, muscovado, or whole grain sugar, all provide 4 calories per gram. The difference between them is the degree of refinement. The muscabo is more natural. But they all provide carbohydrates, that is, the same caloric value. This has to be very clear, especially for people with diabetes or those who are on a weight loss plan.

On the other hand, sweeteners are food additives that can be added to food and beverages, replacing sugar, to reduce the energy content and the consumption of free sugars.

The question is: are sweeteners safe ? Yes, as long as we respect their Admitted Daily Intake (ADI), which informs us up to the amount per day per kilo of weight a person can consume.

For your peace of mind, it is quite difficult to beat the IDA. Now then . With what name can we find sweeteners? Among those of artificial origin we can mention aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin and acesulfame potassium. And those of natural origin are sucralose and stevia.

Always the most convenient are the natural ones. Another frequent question that appears is: if children can consume sweeteners. And the answer is no, never before the age of 3. In the case of overweight or obesity, moderate sugar consumption is recommended.