• Refined sugar has been linked to numerous health problems, including diabetes and childhood hyperactivity
• Natural sugar substitutes can provide the sweetness we want without the problems associated with sugar processing
• Stevia and Xylitol are two popular natural alternatives
• Honey and agave nectar are also good choices when used in moderation because of their high carbohydrate count

If you’re like most of people, you probably have a craving for something sweet at least occasionally. For many of us, that craving comes a little more often. Clearly, there’s something appealing about the taste of refined sugar. Unfortunately, research has shown that sugar may have negative health consequences, especially if you’re not consuming it in moderation. The good news is natural sugar substitutes may provide us with a solution.

Problems with Processed Sugar

Some of the risks of eating too much sugar are well-known to us. For example, we all know the excess calories from sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity, as well as diabetes and other chronic health conditions. Eating too much sugar and not brushing afterward can lead to teeth decay and gum disease. And sugar has been proven to be an addictive substance that affects the chemicals in the brain. That’s why you have those cravings.

Some people suggest sugar processing can also lead to other health problems, such as headaches, cell damage, yeast infections, eye problems, nutrient deficiencies, and hyperactivity in children. In many cases, the recommendation is to cut out as much refined sugar from the diet as possible and replace it with natural sugar substitutes.

What are Natural Sugar Substitutes?

These products are derived from natural sources and do not go through the extensive processing of sugar, which is also a natural product. Many of these sources contain less calories than traditional sugar and so can also be used as healthy sugar substitutes in place of artificial sweeteners which have been linked to their own fair share of health problems. The list of these natural sugar choices has been growing in recent years but more research is still needed to determine exactly how much safer they are in comparison to common table sugar.

Some of the Natural Sugar Choices

One of the most popular with the whole foods crowd is stevia. Stevia is a herb that you can find throughout South America. It is very sweet – much sweeter than table sugar – so very little is needed to provide the taste you want. Plus, many of the Stevia products on the market also contain FOS which stands for fruit ogiliosaccharides. FOS has a number of health benefits, including helping maintain the good bacteria in your intestines to make sure your digestive system keeps working well.

Some types of unrefined honey and a product called agave nectar (comes from the Mexican agave) are also good choices for sweeteners. However, they do have a lot of carbohydrates so they might be bad choices for dieters and diabetics.

Xylitol is another popular option. In fact, you can find it in some low-calorie products now. Although the name sounds manufactured, the sweetener actually comes from the fibers of plants, vegetables, and fruits. Not only does it contain less than 3 calories per teaspoon but it also can combat some of the health effects of table sugar, such as tooth decay. Consuming too much of this natural substitute can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea.

• Mild side effects of artificial sweeteners include headaches, gastrointestinal problems, consuming higher amounts of calories than you expected
• Aspartame has so many health complaints connected to it that these conditions are called Aspartame Disease
• Panic attack and depression have been linked to artificial sweeteners
• Nervous system disorders and many types of cancer may also be associated with artificial sweeteners

While eating too much sugar can cause weight gain and can lead to the development of diabetes, using artificial sweeteners may have some health risks, too. Below we look at the top 10 dangers of artificial sweeteners.

1. More Calories than You Think

Some artificial sweeteners are misleading. Because they have few calories, the foods containing them can be listed as containing no calories when, in fact, they do have calories which can add up quickly if you are indulging your sweet tooth. This is particular true if you’re talking about foods that contain Splenda or even more natural sugar substitutes, such as sugar alcohols.

2. Headaches

This is one of the side effects associated with almost every artificial sweetener on the market. It is also part of the condition known as Aspartame sickness which refers to a collection of ailments seemingly caused by the consumption of that particular artificial sweetener.

3. Gastrointestinal Problems

Many of the most popular artificial sweeteners have also been associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually these problems occur after high levels of the product are consumed or in people who are sensitive to the products. Foods containing sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, must be labeled to warn consumers about these problems.

4. Allergic Reactions

Some consumers have reported allergic reactions to some of the artificial sweeteners available. These reactions have been relatively mild, including headaches, skin rashes, and similar symptoms.

5. Male Infertility

While the research is not entirely conclusive yet, some studies have linked Aspartame to an increased risk of male infertility. The mechanics of this are also not well understood either. However, any man hoping to start a family should avoid foods that contain this artificial sweetener.

6. Panic Attacks

Just as two much sugar can cause nervous agitation, people who consume some types of artificial sweeteners have reported experiencing panic attacks, which include symptoms including racing heart beats, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, and more. People who have a tendency to have panic attacks may also have their attacks triggered by an intake of these sweeteners.

7. Cell Damage

Some of the research on artificial sweeteners has also shown that they can do some damage to cells. For this reason, infants, children, and teenagers should have their intake of artificial sweeteners limited.

8. Depression

Several years ago, a study of the affects of Aspartame on depression involving 40 participants had to be ended prematurely because more than half of the individuals involved had such several reactions to the sweeteners. Mood changes can be severe.

9. Central Nervous System Disorders

Research has shown that Aspartame may also be one of the causes or triggers of many serious central nervous system disorders, including fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. Many of other diseases have also been connected to this specific type of sweetener which, incidentally, has more health complaints filed against it by consumers than any other additive on the market.

10. Cancer

One of the biggest concerns about these artificial sweeteners has been cancer. There is some research to suggest a higher incidence of bladder cancer (saccharin), cancer of the reproductive organs (aspartame), and more. More research on these connections is still being done.

• Sugar substitutes can also play an important role in for those who suffer from diabetes.
• Sugar substitutes can play an important role in weight control and with medical conditions such as diabetes.

Sugar substitutes have become very popular recently in a society so concerned with weight loss and fitness. Sugar substitutes contain little to no calories, so using them instead of table sugar can help reduce the amount of calories consumed each day. Sugar substitutes can also play an important role in for those who suffer from diabetes.

The first sugar substitute appeared in 1879 and was named Saccharin. Today, Saccharin is found in the familiar pink Sweet‘N Low packets.

During World War II, sugar was one of the food staples that were rationed. This lead to increased research into substitutes that would be safe and effective. Saccharin has always been generally recognized as safe.

Today, there are a number of sugar substitutes available such as Acesulfame Potassium, Aspartame, Neotame, Saccharin, Sucralose, and more, with others being researched currently.

Sugar substitutes can play an important role in weight control and with medical conditions such as diabetes.

Acesulfame Potassium goes by the name Sunett. This substance has more than two hundred times the sweetness of table sugar.

Aspartame is another substitute for sugar, very popular both in homes and in manufacturing foods and drinks. Aspartame is also known as NutraSweet, and more than 6,000 products around the world contain this sweetener. NutraSweet is also hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar and contains very few calories per serving. Along with Saccharin, Aspartame is one of the safest sugar substitutes.

Neotame is one of the newest sugar substitutes available and contains zero calories. Neotame was approved in 2002 by the FDA and is seven to thirteen-thousand times sweeter than table sugar.

Saccharine is the oldest and safest known sugar substitute and has been around for more than 100 years. Saccharine is the number one sugar substitute used by diabetics because it has been proven to be safe and effective.

Sucralose is another sugar substitute that is available for dieters and people with medical conditions. This substitute is the only one that is created from natural sugar. It goes by the common brand name Splenda. Sucralose has no calories and is safe for any use.

Sugar substitutes can be used to lower your caloric intake without feeling deprived or cutting out foods that you love. By substituting these products for sugar, you are allowing your taste buds to be satisfied without having all the extra calories that sugar brings to the food.

The sugar substitute you use will depend on several factors, such as what you are using the product for, your individual taste preferences, if you have a medical problem or condition that necessitates a sugar substitute, etc.

If you are looking to cut out sugars from your diet or just looking to lose weight and get in shape, there are some natural supplements that can help. Check out products like VEG Protein Booster Natural and ThyroZene which curb your appetite for sweets while boosting your metabolism.