Get Health Access | Nutritional Benefits of Natural Sweeteners | The sweet taste of sugar is hard to resist. Everyone has a sweet tooth, and people often find it difficult to skip dessert or avoid having that chocolate bar for a midnight snack. Sugar tastes great, but the reason we should not be consuming sugar on a regular basis is that too much sugar is bad for our health.
Luckily, there are several natural sweeteners that actually carry health benefits while still tasting very sweet. Here are 4 natural sweeteners that are both healthy and great tasting.
- Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that can be found in certain fruits. It contains only 0.24 calories per gram, or approximately 6% of the calorie content of refined sugar, but with about 70% of the sweetness.
Erythritol is great because it does not have any effect on blood lipids like cholesterol or triglycerides. It also does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels.
Studies show that erythritol is safe, but just like other sugar alcohols, consuming too much at a time can cause issues with digestion. The only downside is that it may have a mild aftertaste.
- Xylitol
Xylitol is another sugar alcohol with a bit more calorie content as compared to Erythritol but with only two-thirds the caloric value of sugar.
Similar to Erythritol, Xylitol does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. It is also great for dental health and reduces the risk of cavities and dental decay. However, this must still be consumed in moderation as it does have side effects at high doses. It should also be kept out of reach of dogs as it is highly toxic to them.
- Yacon Syrup
Yacon syrup is harvested from the yacon plant that grows in the Andes in South America. It is growing in popularity as a weight-loss supplement, with one study finding that it promoted significant weight loss in overweight women.
It is high in fructooligosaccharides, a soluble fiber that feeds good bacteria to the intestines. As such, it can help with constipation but may cause digestive issues if too much is consumed.
- Stevia
Last but not least, there’s stevia. Extracted from leaves of a plant called Stevia rebaudiana, Stevia is a very popular low-calorie sweetener that has been used for sweetening and medicinal purposes since its discovery in South America.
Stevia is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar in the same amount but has virtually no calories. It also has zero carbohydrates and no glycemic index. This means that it has several health benefits including the ability to lower high blood pressure in hypertensive individuals and blood sugar levels in diabetics. Several studies have also shown that stevia can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce plaque build-up in arteries.
Sweet and Fit Stevia
Sweet and Fit Stevia is grown and harvested locally at the Sweet and Fit Stevia Farm in Brgy. Tambobong, Bocaue, Bulacan. According to the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines, Sweet and Fit Stevia was the first registered stevia powder. It has no cholesterol, no calories, no carbs, and is 100% natural. Most importantly, Sweet and Fit Stevia has no bitter taste, making it a suitable substitute for sugar. Sweet and Fit Stevia is perfect for those trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Where can I buy Sweet and Fit Stevia in the Philippines?
Sweet and Fit Stevia is manufactured by Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation. Sweet and Fit Stevia products can be purchased at your local Mercury Drug Store, Generika, South Star Drug, and other leading drugstores. It can also be bought at Robinsons Supermarket, Waltermart, Ever Gotesco, Landmark, and other supermarkets nationwide.
For those looking to shop online, Sweet and Fit Stevia is also available on the official GIDC website and on popular online marketplaces.
Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation
Address:
72 Nuestra Señora St. 6th Ave.
Caloocan City
1400 Metro Manila
Philippines
Contact Number:
(02) 8285-2373
Visit the website of Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation at https://gidc.com.ph/ or shop more of their products.
