What is Best Sugar Substitute?

What is Best Sugar Substitute? It’s a good question, especially if you’re someone with diabetes or obesity. Our family will definitely answer; coconut sugar is the best sugar substitute. It comes from organic and natural source (coconut nectar), minimally processed (only evaporation), no bleaching agent and no preservatives, low glycemic index and contain vitamin, mineral and other nutrients that essential for our health.

However, you may need to compare the above statement with another sugar substitutes which have already available widely in the market today. I’ll review some of them. I hope it’s enough for you to decide; what is best sugar substitute for your family?

What is best sugar substitute? :: Could it be Aspartame?

My diabetic grandmother used to consume this sugar before she was gone. When this product was first launched in the 80's, it just likes a new hope for anyone who wanted to loose weight. Equal and Nutra Sweet is the example of Aspartame. However, aspartame has a weakness; it will lose its sweetness in high temperature, that’s why aspartame is not good for cooking or making hot drinks. Many people also claimed that aspartame may cause cancer. Well, maybe it has not been proven yet, but it was enough to make me and many others to avoid aspartame. However, the door to a new world of sugar alternatives has been opened and the marketplace for common sucrose replacement began. In fact, there was strong demand of sugar substitutes, because many individuals have already been aware to avoid anything that may lead to diabetes.

What is best sugar substitute? :: Could it be Saccharin?

Saccharin is also one of early generation of sugar substitutes. You may recognize saccharin as Sweet'NLow or Sugar Twin. Unlike aspartame, saccharin can successfully work in both hot and cold food. But like aspartame, saccharin began to lose its luster because of cancer issue. Previous research on rats has proven that, although you would have to consume big amounts of it. However, you don't need to take that risk because there are still other better alternatives for sugar substitution in the market.

What is best sugar substitute? :: Could it be Sucralose?

This is also another artificial sweetener. Splenda is the commonly trade name for sucralose. The fact is, it's 600 times sweeter than common sugar. Wow, I don't think you may need that much to make your tea or coffee. The good news was probably; sucralose is calories free and no research has shown any tendency towards cancer. However, sucralose is an artificial product. You need to consider of using it in wise amount. Moreover, I believe that your human body will prefer natural foods, because any chemically processed food will make your organs work harder. Besides, why taking that risk of consuming artificial foods while there is still other natural choices to be considered?

What is best sugar substitute? :: Could it be Stevia?

Stevia has been approved by FDA in 2008. Stevia began to be a favourite sugar subsitutes, because of its plant-based source and no-synthetically altered. As the purpose of why people use sugar subsitutes, stevia doesn't cause any impact on blood sugar and there are no reports of side effects of this product so far.

In my opinion, Stevia can be one of better option than ones that has been listed previously.

What is best sugar substitute? :: Could it be Agave Nectar?

Agave nectar also comes from natural source (the same plant that produces tequila). It may be one of the latest generations of sugar substitutes nowadays. It can be used as sugar substitution in baking and comes as a liquid. It's available in two colors; a darker amber color and a light color. So, depend on your baking color need, you can flexibly make your decision.

What is best sugar substitute? :: Could it be Coconut Sugar?

My family will answer yes, coconut sugar is the best. My father (who has diabetes) has proven that consuming coconut sugar may not cause any harm to his blood glucose levels. It’s because of its very low glycemic index (35). Coconut sugar comes from coconut nectar. I need to point this because many people have a wrong opinion that coconut sugar comes from coconut water. Coconut sugar can be found in three forms; crystal sugar, blocked sugar and liquid sugar. My father consumes the latest one. In Indonesia, blocked sugar has been used to make various and delicious traditional foods. In addition to its very low glycemic index, coconut sugar contain essential nutrient for human body, such as vitamin B complex, vitamin C, amino acids and minerals. That’s why; coconut sugar is one of sugar substitutes that can be put into consideration for people with diabetes or for those who wants to lose weight.

Besides the side effects of consuming sugar substitutes and its health benefits, there may be other point of consideration before you decide what is best sugar substitutes; the taste. These sugar alternatives may have different taste with your ordinary sugar. You will need some experiments before finding the best product that can satisfy your taste buds.