Is Sugar Beneficial?

Are there any health benefits?

Research studies have found that replacement of sugar, low-calorie sweeteners can lead to reduced energy consumption and an increase in weight control. However, more studies, especially on long plazo1-4 necessary. Do not forget that obesity is a complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and sustainable life change. The use of low-calorie sweeteners are only a part of it.

Some of the health benefits of sugar and other alternatives might be. The European Commission has given incorrect data on the various health claims. For example, products containing low-calorie sweeteners and polyols such as xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, erythritol, D- tagatose, isomaltulose (palatinose), sucralose or polydextrose instead of sugar can declare carry low rate levels blood sugar after a meal, or help maintain the mineralization of teeth. Sweetened gum with xylitol alone reduce dental plaque, a risk factor dental5 decay.

Challenges

With the exception of the table sweeteners, restricts EU legislation the use of sweeteners as substitutes for sugar in foods and beverages, and therefore it becomes low in calories (energy by 30% less than the original product or the like), without added sugar, no cariogenic (which is not in favor of caries) , or a longer life. Similarly, the addition is to allow foods to certain food uses (dietary foods) 6. In some people, excessive consumption of foods and beverages containing polyols may cause laxative effects and symptoms of the digestive tract. It must be labeled foods that contain more than 10% added polyols with "excessive consumption may occur laxative effects." (7) Similarly, foods containing aspartame should be noted on the label "contains aspartame (a source of phenylalanine)" or "contains a source of phenylalanine" as aspartame from aspartic acid and phenylalanine is made. People who suffer from a rare genetic disease known as phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid phenylalanine.

Replace or reduce the sugar is a complex task. In soft drinks, is replaced sugar with low sweeteners calories that provide the sweet taste, but not the size, without the aid of components that enhance viscosity, causing a sensation in the mouth different (texture) depending on whether the drinks "Diet" ( less sugar or without sugar) or "natural" (full sugar) in August. Some sweeteners can significantly bitter taste left by some consumidores9. A combination or mixture of different localities to provide the best flavor profile using desalination one. In confectionery, bakery, sugar and it provides many jobs. Thus, to replace, to be polyols wide along with rubber, fiber or low-calorie sweeteners, such as chewing gum, chocolate and jelly. Although the element can work well as a product sugar substitute may not necessarily be suitable for another. Moreover, not every product formulation (less sugar), made of sugar substitutes have fewer calories than standard full-sugar products. Some localities low-calorie, such as aspartame, is not stable at high temperatures, and therefore, is not a viable alternative in the preparation of foods calor8.

In general, reducing the amount of sugar while still meeting the expectations of consumers is still a difficult task for the food industry.