Replacing sugar with other sweet-tasting substances began about a hundred years ago. Since then, the range of substitutes has grown steadily, both natural and synthetic have appeared among them.
Natural sugar substitute (any) means an energy carrier that is perfectly absorbed by the body.
Consider some examples of natural substitutes:
First isolated from cotton and corn seeds, it is equal in taste and nutritional value to granulated sugar, but at the same time fights against tooth decay.
A plant from South America, much sweeter than sugar, practically does not give energy, but it is saturated with substances useful for the body. It is used in herbal teas.
A naturally sweet substance (isolated from mountain ash, apricots and apples), less tasty than store-bought sugar, is often added to juices and other drinks. The nutritional value of sorbitol is twice that of granulated sugar. It helps to spend less vitamins and has a beneficial effect on the internal microflora.
Refers to the number of natural sugars, it has a much more pronounced taste than sucrose, and, moreover, is less "energetic". Fructose can be found in fruits, berries and seeds.
Synthetic analogs of sugar are not absorbed by the body. Therefore, by themselves, they have zero energy value, but at the same time they increase appetite.
Consider examples of synthetic substitutes:
Banned in some countries, it has an unpleasant aftertaste, and in itself is sweeter than sucrose.
Although approved all over the world, it is considered toxic.
Banned almost everywhere because of its toxicity and harm.
Two hundred times more powerful in taste than sucrose, it is excreted extremely quickly and is not absorbed at all.
It is a compound of amino acids, does not have any flavors, it is sweetened with confectionery products and some drinks. It should be borne in mind, however, that at high temperatures, aspartame breaks down into highly toxic compounds, so products with its inclusion are best avoided, or at least used while they are chilled.
When choosing what to substitute for sugar, be sure to be guided by the information about the harmfulness of one or another substitute. Remember, natural substitutes are best, and among the synthetic ones, acesulfame potassium is harmless.
