One of our SkinnyGals was kind enough to send this to us, it's an ongoing topic of interest at class and since we need to always work together to be the most informed with respect to how to be our best, I wanted to share this from a Naturopath in the area to see what you think and what your experience has been. Live long and healthy!
Sugar vs Substitutes: What Makes the Grade?
Cane sugar, cane sugar juice, dehydrated cane syrup etc. - D - often found in "natural", "healthy" treats
Pros: Derivatives of the above retain a few trace minerals that may help the body metabolize the sugar better
Cons: Still very high Glycemic index, causes excessive insulin release, promotes insulin resistance and diabetes
High Fructose Corn Syrup - F - often found in pop, processed foods
Pros: None
Cons: Promotes obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and diabetes
Agave Nectar - F - often found in "natural", "healthy" treats
Pros: Good marketing
Cons: Contains more fructose than high fructose corn syrup, therefore can promote obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and diabetes
Stevia - B - natural extract from the plant Stevia rebaudiana
Pros: natural, intensely sweet, doesn't elevate blood sugar, increases insulin sensitivity
Cons: Does cause insulin release which can disrupt hormone balance however that may be offset by the improved insulin sensitivity, slightly bitter aftertaste
Aspartame - F - artificial sweetener
Pros: None
Cons: Can cause various neurological problems in susceptible people, despite no increase in blood sugar it increases insulin levels which can aggravate hypoglycemia, lead to excessive appetite, hormone imbalances, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS
Molasses - C - is the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup.
Pros: somewhat natural, an excellent source of manganese, copper and iron and a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium
Cons: not good for blood sugar, insulin levels, hormone balance
Maple Syrup - C - is the amber liquid from evaporating most of the water off the sap of the maple tree
Pros: Excellent source of manganese, good source of zinc
Cons: not good for blood sugar, insulin levels, hormone balance
Splenda/ Sucralose - F - artificially made by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule with three chlorine atoms
Pros: Low calorie sweetener
Cons: Side effects may include bloating, rash, decreased coordination, dulled senses, headaches, insomnia, irritability, stomach cramps, despite no increase in blood sugar it increases insulin levels which can aggravate hypoglycemia, lead to excessive appetite, hormone imbalances, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS
Xylitol - B+ - naturally occurring sugar alcohol
Pros: has antibacterial and antifungal properties, lower calorie, safe, has been shown to improve bone density in rats, tastes good, measures like sugar
Cons: can have somewhat of a laxative effect and if consumed in large quantities may cause bloating and abdominal pain
No Sugar or Sugar Substitutes - A+++
By Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc, ND. To book an appointment with please call 416.481.0222 or email Maria at Maria@ForcesofNature.ca
