Sweeteners
Definition
Sweeteners are substances used to impart a sweet taste to foods and beverages. They can be natural, like honey, or artificial, like aspartame.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Sweeteners are chemical compounds that provide sweetness to food without the same caloric intake as sugar. They include naturally occurring substances derived from plants and synthetically produced compounds. Sweeteners can be classified as nutritive (providing calories) and non-nutritive (providing little to no calories), and they are often used in food manufacturing to replace sugar, control calorie intake, and manage blood glucose levels.
Benefits
- Can help reduce overall calorie intake.
- May assist in managing blood sugar levels.
- Allows individuals with diabetes to enjoy sweet flavors without affecting glucose levels significantly.
- Helps in weight management by providing sweetness without the high calories.
Examples
- Aspartame
- Stevia
- Saccharin
- Sucralose
- Xylitol
- Honey
Additional Information
- side effects: Some artificial sweeteners may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals and have been scrutinized for potential links to health concerns, though generally deemed safe by regulatory agencies at recommended levels.
References
Last updated: 10/19/2024