- Those on a diabetes management plan can still satisfy their sweet tooth with various artificial sweeteners
- Artificial sweeteners are safe when used in moderation
- When dining out, packets of artificial sweeteners are sometimes more readily found than regular sugar
- The newest and what is considered one of the best artificial sweeteners is called Splenda. This product measures proportionately as regular sugar
Although there are various types of artificial sweeteners, saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose are among the most popular. The significance of artificial sweeteners has escalated since the low carbohydrate and sugar buster diets have come to be more prevalent for weight conscious individuals. Also, those who suffer from diabetes are able to enjoy the sweetness of foods without a worry of spiking their insulin levels. Saccharin is a sugar substitute found in Sweet ‘N Low. Packets of low calories sweeteners such as Sweet ‘N Low will be readily found in restaurants and coffee shops. Aspartame products, also known as Equal and Nutrasweet, are also commonly found wherever food and drinks are served. Splenda is one of the low calorie sweeteners with sucralose. Splenda is known as one of the best artificial sweeteners which maintains a safe blood sugar level for those on a diabetes management plan or weight loss venture.
How to decide which are the best artificial sweeteners may be a personal decision. Although some may prefer saccharin based products, others feel there is a bitter aftertaste from this artificial sweetener. Other low calorie sweeteners which help maintain a safe blood sugar level are Splenda and Sweet ‘N Low. These two products are preferred by many. Splenda, one of the newer artificial sweeteners, is measured by spoonfuls equal to regular sugar, making it easier to cook and bake with since conversion is not necessary. Sweet ‘N Low and Splenda are more heat resistant which makes either of these choices better for cooking and baking.
There is a wide array of products containing artificial sweeteners. At one time, sodas were the main dietary food containing aspartame or saccharine. These and other artificial sweeteners are now found in cereals, cakes and candies, and other products as well. Safety, long and short term, has been questionable for such products. However, it appears that with moderate consumption, artificial sweeteners pose little or no risk.
Although saccharine, as in Sugar Twin or Sweet ‘N Low, was once believed to be a contributing factor of bladder cancers, the FDA as well as the National Cancer Institute have concluded that the use of saccharine has no bearing on bladder cancer. Saccharine has 200 to 700 times the sweetness of regular sugar.
Acesulfame K, found in Sunett or Sweet One, is another sweetener which is efficiently used in baked goods with 200 the times the sweetness of regular sugar. The FDA has backed up the safety of this product by more than 90 studies.
Nutra-Sweet, Equal, and other sweeteners contain aspartame. The FDA and American Medical Association have determined these products can be safely used at recommended levels. If suffering a disorder called phenylketonuria, or PKU, however, aspartame products should be avoided. The reason being the amino acid found in this sweetener cannot be digested by the body which causes continuous accumulation until the substance reaches dangerous levels. Aspartame is over 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Sucralose found in Splenda, is said to be made from sugar. This is true at the initial manufacturing stages. As it is chemically processed, Splenda is not actually sugar. In its granulated form, Splenda is substituted for sugar spoon for spoon. This product has a small fraction of calories although it is called a no calorie sweetener. Splenda is also available as a blend with regular sugar if you are looking to just lighten up the sugar intake.
Neotame is a sweetener which has been recently approved. It is produced by the company which makes NutraSweet, an aspartame product. Neotame is a derivative of aspartame, but with a chemical change which enables neotame to metabolize differently than aspartame, but without the PKU threat.
Tags: best artificial sweeteners, diabetes management plan, low calorie sweeteners, safe blood sugar level
