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This sweet nectar is extracted from various species of agave plants, including the agave tequilana (aka blue agave), which is used to make tequila!
Agave syrup is exceptionally high in fructose, which is not great news for your body. High fructose consumption has been linked to a number of conditions, ranging from insulin resistance, to heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Whatever your choice, moderation is key. Though it should be noted that a calorie is a calorie. Consuming the same amount of calories from table sugar or an exotic alternative will have the exact same effect in terms of caloric consumption.
Sources: (Women's Health) (Healthline)
Honey is high in calories, with one tablespoon containing around 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Though it is also very rich in antioxidants, as well as containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Contrary to popular belief, this is quite a heavily-processed type of sugar, as the nectar extracted from the plant needs to be filtered to obtain the syrup.
Humans have been using honey for millennia. It's a natural product, but can sometimes be processed, depending on the type of honey you consume.
Aspartame is the industry standard when it comes to diet sodas, as well as other sugar-free drinks and foods.
No sugar means that it has zero calories. And although more research is needed, a 2013 study suggests that mogrosides may help reduce oxidative stress.
It's traditionally used to substitute table sugar in beverages, to cook, and it's added to a number of foods, such as pancakes.
Many people also use it as a tabletop sweetener. Although its use has been associated with increased cancer risk, studies show no evidence that this is indeed the case.
You might recognize sucralose by its most famous brand name, Splenda.
Aspartame is a very popular artificial sweetener, and has been for many years. Aspartame is essentially made of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine.
About 600 times sweeter than sugar, it became a popular sugar substitute.
While commonly used in baking, more recent studies suggest that, when subject to high temperatures, sucralose might not be as safe as previously thought, as it starts to break down and may produce harmful compounds.
Unlike other types of natural sweeteners, what's extracted from this Asian fruit does not contain glucose or fructose.
Instead, monk fruit sweetener gets its sweetness from antioxidants called mogrosides.
It's also a source of inulin, which is a fiber that slows digestion and blood sugar and also makes you feel fuller.
Coconut sugar is commonly used for baking. Unlike other refined sugars, it actually contains some minerals, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.
In its pure form (some syrups on the market have added sugars), it contains some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
It can be processed to different degrees, with darker grades usually being less processed. Maple syrup is actually quite high in sugar.
But most products on the market are not actually made from stevia leaves. Instead, they are made of a refined stevia leaf extract called rebaudioside A (Reb-A).
Maple syrup is a sweetener extracted from the sap of maple trees. You probably know it better as a topping for pancakes and other foods.
Stevia quickly became a favorite as a sugar alternative. The sweetener is extracted from a plant called Stevia rebaudiana.
Stevia has virtually no calories and also no nutrients. It has a particular aftertaste that some people don't like, but it's generally safe to use.
Although it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, it has quite a high percentage of fructose, which, as explained previously, is not ideal.
Sugar has been demonized for many years, and for good reasons. High sugar consumption has been linked to a number of diseases, and consequently the death of millions of people around the world. But not all sugar is created equal. For instance, glucose in the right amounts can be used for energy, while fructose on the other hand can have a more detrimental effect in comparison.
Xylitol is a commonly used sugar substitute found in products like sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It's a sugar alcohol that provides the same sweetness as sugar with 40% fewer calories. It's often an ingredient in foods that are labeled "keto-friendly." But recent studies have found that the substance may be hiding some harmful qualities. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have found that xylitol is linked to a heightened risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular-related deaths. The same team revealed similar findings after studying the sweetener erythritol in 2023.
“We’re throwing this stuff into our food pyramid, and the very people who are most likely to be consuming it are the ones who are most likely to be at risk,” said lead author of the study, Dr. Stanley Hazen, referring to those with health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Hazen says he is advising his patients to stay away from any sugar substitutes that end in 'itol' and recommending small amounts of sugar or honey instead. He added that toothpaste and gum are low-risk as so little of the xylitol is ingested.
From natural sweeteners such as honey to artificial sweeteners like aspartame, our search for a better, healthier sugar continues. But is there really such a thing as "healthy" sugar? Click through this gallery to find out.
Is there such a thing as "healthy" sugar?
Sugar substitute xylitol linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
HEALTH Food
Sugar has been demonized for many years, and for good reasons. High sugar consumption has been linked to a number of diseases, and consequently the death of millions of people around the world. But not all sugar is created equal. For instance, glucose in the right amounts can be used for energy, while fructose on the other hand can have a more detrimental effect in comparison.
Xylitol is a commonly used sugar substitute found in products like sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It's a sugar alcohol that provides the same sweetness as sugar with 40% fewer calories. It's often an ingredient in foods that are labeled "keto-friendly." But recent studies have found that the substance may be hiding some harmful qualities. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have found that xylitol is linked to a heightened risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular-related deaths. The same team revealed similar findings after studying the sweetener erythritol in 2023.
“We’re throwing this stuff into our food pyramid, and the very people who are most likely to be consuming it are the ones who are most likely to be at risk,” said lead author of the study, Dr. Stanley Hazen, referring to those with health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Hazen says he is advising his patients to stay away from any sugar substitutes that end in 'itol' and recommending small amounts of sugar or honey instead. He added that toothpaste and gum are low-risk as so little of the xylitol is ingested.
From natural sweeteners such as honey to artificial sweeteners like aspartame, our search for a better, healthier sugar continues. But is there really such a thing as "healthy" sugar? Click through this gallery to find out.