Sugar is one of the first things to stop eating when beginning a low carbohydrate diet. But all of the sweets in your life don't necessarily have to removed, just modified. The American Diabetes Association cautions that your taste buds may have to make an adjustment. The natural low carb sweetening products may vary in taste, intensity and flavor from natural sugar.
Stevia
Stevia is manufactured from a plant in South America called stevia rebaudiana. The glycoside that is extracted from the shrub is what gives stevia its sweetness, explains Columbia University. It is about 300 times more sweet than sugar with no caloric or carb value. However, you may want to read the label as often fillers are added that may contribute to the carb count. You can buy stevia as a dietary supplement only, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve it for use as a food additive. Stevia is also sold under the brand name Truvia, PureVia and SweetLeaf.
Sugar Alcohols
The Canadian Diabetes Association explains that sugar alcohols are not absorbed into the blood stream and do not affect blood glucose. This means that when counting carbs, you need not include sugar alcohols. It says that all sugar alcohols vary as to absorption, but it is so minimal as to be virtually insignificant. It recommends eating less than 10 mg per day as any amount over that may bring on abdominal discomfort. Natural sugar alcohols include sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol and xylitol.
Sucralose
You may better recognize sucralose as the brand Splenda. Made from raw sugar, it is calorie and carbohydrate free. Due to the manufacturing process, sucralose is not absorbed by the gut. Sold as Splenda, it may contain a bulking agent that may have a carb content, so you may want to check the label to be sure. Sucralose may be used in baked goods as it holds its sweetness in high heat.
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