Some sweeteners may be healthier than others. Natural sweeteners, such as honey and molasses, contain nutrients in addition to their calorie content. No sweetener is 100-percent healthy, though; they should be consumed in moderation. Sweeteners contain calories that can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess, and the sugar content can add to the risk of tooth decay. The consumption of sweeteners should be monitored in people with diabetes, due to the possibility of spikes in blood sugar levels.
Honey
Honey, produced by bees, is made from the nectar of flowers and other plants. Although honey adds calories, it also contains nutritive substances, such as vitamin C, calcium and iron, that can help support good nutrition. Honey is sweeter than sucrose, or white table sugar, so you can use less of it to achieve the desired level of sweetness. Because of honey's possible spore content and the possibility of it transmitting botulism to young children, it should not be served to children under the age of 2.
Maple Sugar
Maple sugar and maple syrup are made from the sap of maple trees. Do not confuse pure maple syrup with the artificial version available in grocery stores. Check the label to determine whether the syrup is pure or imitation. Maple sugar and maple syrup contain calcium, potassium and zinc.
Blackstrap Molasses
Molasses is the substance remaining after the whit table sugar is refined. It contains many different nutrients, such as the B vitamins niacin, thiamine and riboflavin, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, chromium and iron. Because of its strong flavor, molasses is best used in breads and baked goods, but it can also be a tasty sweetener for coffee.
Artificial Sweeteners
Although they contain no vitamins or minerals, artificial sweeteners may help support a healthy lifestyle. They contain virtually no calories and may be a good choice to aid in weight loss or help prevent weight gain. Before they can be sold in the United States, artificial sweeteners must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe for human consumption. Aspartame, sucralose and saccharin are among the artificial sweeteners currently recognized as safe. The American Dietetic Association supports the use of artificial sweeteners as a safe, calorie-free way to sweeten foods.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Added Sugar: Don't Get Sabotaged by Sweeteners; April 5, 2011
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Honey
- Natural Nutrition: Natural Sweeteners
- The Health Benefits of: Maple Syrup
- MayoClinic.com; Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes; October 9, 2010
- Kids Eat Right; The Inside Scoop on Artificial Sweeteners; Karen Ansel;
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