Cane Sugar Vs Artificial Sweeteners

 

Sugar is a huge topic! You see tv adds telling us that high fructose corn syrup is bad and others telling us its no different than can sugar. What is the truth? This is what I have been trying to find out. Here is a very brief overview of this topic. I will expand on this topic as I learn more. 

A product I started to use in the last year called Xylitol was my first sugar substitute to look at. I first was introduced to it in a recipe for protein bars. Recently however, I found out some things I didn't know. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol which is processed from things like fiber in fruits, corn, etc.  Once source I found listed sugar alcohol as a laxative. That isn't something I want to use. 

Avoid Aspartame. It is commonly used in products that are "sugar free". It has been linked with joint problems and other adverse side effects. For example, my mom's co-worker was complaining of sore joints. My mom asked her if she drank diet soda pop. She was so my mom told her to see what happened if she stopped drinking it. He joints stopped hurting her. Aspartame is in over 6,000 products. 

For every artificial sweetener there are people saying it is good for you and some say it is the worst thing you could consume. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow: the less processed a food is the better it is for you. I would say avoid artificial sweeteners (sugar free gum and toothpaste containing xylitol is okay because you don't sonsume it) all together. But don't go crazy on the cane sugar, Keep your sugar intake to a minimum. There are so many recipes out there for foods with no sugar cane but use organic juices, apple sauce and many other ingredients as a natural sugar source.  

If there are any specific questions you have, let me know. I will do my best to answer your questions as quickly and completely as possible.