For the past couple of decades sugar has earned a bad name for itself. It has been classified as a tempting but harmful component of our diet. Some have gone so far as to label it a sweet and slow acting poison that is a favorite of the unruly but shunned by the righteous.
Sugar is held responsible for several health problems as it leads to weight gain. Even more disturbing, it is responsible for hyperactivity among children.
Of late, a lot of time has gone into the search for a sweet alternative that does not have the harmful effects of sugar. Fortunately, lovers of this sweet product will soon have a healthier option.
They may continue to have their favorite sweets without worrying about the ill effects.
In replacing sugar, the most often used sweetener is fructose. FRUCTOSE is better known as high-fructose corn syrup. Here are some of the positives and negatives of the new sugar as compared to traditional sugar.
Calorie content
Ultimately, it is the total number of calories consumed that leads to weight gain and body fat. Be it fructose or sugar, both are a form of carbohydrate. One gram of either of the two gives us four calories.
Both have insufficient fiber, part of which remains undigested by the body and is expelled through waste. Both lack nutritious components. Neither offer significant health promoting properties.
Be it sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, both are comprised of glucose and fructose. The only difference between the two is that high-fructose corn syrup contains a higher level of fructose, about 5% more.
Impact on insulin and blood glucose levels
No one denies the fact that total calorie intake matters most, but that is not the entire story. Every nutrient has an impact upon the body and leads to a different feeling after consumption. That may influence the amount of food we consume at mealtimes.
Fructose is a better option as far as blood glucose levels are concerned. It goes to the liver after being consumed and has little effect on insulin levels and blood sugar.
Sugar, though composed of limited fructose, sends the glucose directly to the blood. This causes insulin levels to go up and gives you the feeling of a sudden rush of energy. That is not healthy.
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