Natural sweeteners are the best option to meet the need for something sweet on the palate. It is very important to consume (carbohydrates) due to the amount of energy it provides to the body, but it must be borne in mind that excessive consumption can have adverse health consequences. Natural sweeteners do not contain dangerous substances that can cause negative effects for the person. One of the biggest problems they have is that the taste of refined sugar is pleasant and people are not willing to replace it, because it completely changes the flavors of the foods or drinks that contain it.
Numerous studies have shown that the use of synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharin can be harmful although they are used in many dietary products. The consumption of natural sweeteners is preferable to processed synthetics.
When it is proposed that it is not desired to continue using it to sweeten foods and drinks with sucrose commonly called refined sugar; The best option will always be natural sweeteners.
They are sugars obtained with the least possible amount of chemical or industrial processes. They have fewer calories and are made up of sugars that are easy to digest.
Common natural sweeteners.- Brown or brown sugar : it is a very good option; In the manufacturing process, refined sugar uses phosphoric acid and other chemical components that are not good, however brown sugar is also good. It is obtained from the juice of sugar cane, it only has natural processes, since it is boiled and centrifuged to achieve brown or brown sugar. In the Philippines and Latin America its consumption is quite widespread and it is very common to use it in the preparation of sweets and cakes.
- Bee honey : honey is a strong sweetener that comes from the nectar that bees take from flowers and that they process themselves and then place it in their honeycombs. Honey is known to possess medicinal properties, it is antibacterial, it can be used as a natural antibiotic; It has nutritional properties although it should be considered that in its composition it also has a degree of simple sugars. According to studies carried out in Europe, this sweetener helps the IQ and increases reflexes.
- Ar ce syrup : it comes from a Canadian tree, its flavor is mild. It is also called maple honey. It is widely used for pancakes and sweets. Care must be taken to buy authentic syrup, because the market is invaded by imitations with maple essence. It is also sold in granular form, such as maple sugar.
- Stevia : it is a plant of Paraguayan origin, its leaves sweeten about 300 times more than processed sugar. It does not contain calories, it is ideal for those who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure problems, because it is a hyporegulator. It helps with digestive processes, circulation and does not influence dental health.
- Agave sirop : it is extracted from the root of a cactus. It is low glycemic index which makes it beneficial and ideal for diabetics provided it is consumed in moderation. It has many beneficial properties.
- Xylitol: found in zetas, fruits, and vegetables. It is a polyalcohol and does not produce cavities. It is as sweet as sucrose. In excess it tends to generate stomach pains and works as a laxative. Due to its side effects there are many recommendations not to consume it, it will depend on each organism to suffer the symptoms; It is best to select any of the other natural sweeteners.
In recent years, the world's population has increased the rate of individuals with diabetes, due to the high consumption of processed sweeteners present in soft drinks and other industrialized foods. Natural sweeteners do not affect health and give you the opportunity to feel on your palate the tasty taste of sweet. The best natural sweetener is that of easy acquisition according to the region in which you live, but it is recommended to try several to find the most pleasant taste for everyone.
AUTHOR: Antonio, editor of the great family of hermandadblanca.org
