In the world of sweeteners, a significant shift towards healthier alternatives has been gaining momentum. As health-conscious consumers become more aware of the potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners, the spotlight has turned towards the natural sweeteners that offer a tantalizingly sweet experience without compromising on well-being. From the soothing notes of honey to the exotic allure of stevia, natural sweeteners have emerged as a preferred choice for those seeking a healthier way to satisfy their sweet tooth.
In this article, we delve into the reasons why natural sweeteners stand tall, providing not only a delightful taste but also a range of benefits that make them a wiser and more wholesome choice compared to their artificial counterparts. Join us as we explore the sweet truth behind the rise of natural sweeteners and their inherent advantages for our well-being.
Why Limiting Your Intake of Refined Sugar Matters
Reducing your intake of refined sugar can be a tough habit to break, but it’s definitely worth the effort. There are many reasons to limit your intake of added sugars in your diet.
Excessive sugar intake has been linked to weight gain, heightened risk of heart disease, increased vulnerability to type 2 diabetes, and elevated susceptibility to cancer and depression, among other health risks. Moreover, sugar contributes to inflammation, boasts empty calories devoid of nutritional value, and can even foster addictive tendencies. Taking steps to reduce refined sugar intake is a crucial endeavor for fostering overall well-being and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Why Artificial Sweeteners Are Not the Answer
In your attempt to reduce refined sugar in your diet, you may turn to an artificial sweetener, but beware. Some artificial sweeteners are known to cause gastric distress in some people, leading to stomach pains, gas and diarrhea, among other side effects.
Fortunately, there are quite a few natural sweeteners that are healthier options to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, and may even provide health benefits, such as lowering your blood pressure and blood sugar.
The Best Choice in Natural Sweeteners
There are many natural sweeteners on the market today, but when following a low carb or keto diet, some are preferred because they contain no or very low carbohydrates. Here are a few of our favorite natural sweeteners from which to choose.
Stevia
Extracted from the leaves of a plant, Stevia rebaudiana, is very sweet and has no calories. Some studies suggest stevia may have health benefits, including lowering high blood pressure in people with hypertension, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Monk Fruit
Like stevia, monk fruit–a natural sweetener extracted from the monk fruit plant–has no calories or carbs and doesn’t appear to raise blood sugar or insulin levels. It can be 100-250 times sweeter than sugar.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in certain fruits. It tastes very much like sugar and is often better tolerated than other sugar alcohols. That said, Erythritol may cause digestive issues for those with sensitive stomachs if consumed in large doses.
Inulin
A sweetener that can be found naturally in foods such as chicory root, inulin doesn’t have a significant effect on blood sugar and has a smooth, mild flavor. Inulin is also high in fiber and low in calories and can help keep you feeling full.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in plants. It has the same sweetness level as regular sugar, but doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin levels as sugar does.
Does LC Foods use Artificial Sweeteners in Their Products?
NO! In fact, LC Foods was likely a pioneer in developing recipes for consumers using all-natural sweeteners. Our founder had the insight and wisdom to ban all artificial sweeteners, like Aspartame and Sucralose, from our formulas over 12 years ago.
At that time, there were really no side effects reported on artificial sweeteners, but we had a vision for the future. Our founder recognized that someday, there could be possible side effects on these artificial sweeteners, and we removed and avoided them in all of LC Foods products, and we are proud and happy today that we saw the vision of the future.
As we’ve uncovered, natural sweeteners offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond their delightful taste. From their lower calorie content and minimal impact on blood sugar levels to their rich nutrient profiles and diverse flavors, natural sweeteners provide a healthier and more sustainable way to enjoy sweetness. By embracing natural sweeteners, we not only prioritize our own well-being but also support sustainable farming practices and contribute to a more harmonious relationship with the environment. So, let us savor the sweetness of nature and make the conscious choice to indulge in natural sweeteners, knowing that we are nourishing our bodies and savoring the best that nature has to offer. Let natural sweetness be our guiding light on the journey to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
Sources: WebMD, Healthline, Healthnews, Carb Manager