Sugar substitute

A Sugar substitute (pronunciation: /ˈʃʊɡər ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/) is a food additive that provides a sweet taste like that of sugar while containing significantly less food energy than sugar-based sweeteners, making it a zero-calorie or low-calorie sweetener.

Etymology

The term "sugar substitute" is derived from the English words "sugar", which comes from the Sanskrit "śarkarā", and "substitute", which originates from the Latin "substitutus".

Types of Sugar Substitutes

There are several types of sugar substitutes, including:

Artificial sweeteners: These are synthetic sugar substitutes but may be derived from naturally occurring substances. Examples include aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.

Natural sweeteners: These are often marketed as healthier options than sugar or other sugar substitutes. However, even these products can lead to weight gain if consumed in large amounts. Examples include stevia, xylitol, and erythritol.

Sugar alcohols: These are carbohydrates that occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, but they can also be manufactured. They're not as sweet as sugar, but they're often combined with artificial sweeteners. Examples include sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol.

Novel sweeteners: These are a mix of various types of sweeteners. Examples include tagatose and trehalose.

Health Effects

Sugar substitutes are used widely in the production of many food and drink products. While they can help with weight management and blood sugar control, they also have potential health risks, including a possible increased risk of certain types of cancer.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Sugar substitute
Wikipedia's article - Sugar substitute

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Sugar substitute