There Are Lots of Healthy Ways to Sweeten
By Tom Herrin
A large majority of us like things that are sweet. For some, it is one of our greatest challenges. I do pretty well until I get to a time of the year when all of the sweets start showing up. That starts about Halloween and runs through Easter. If I am not really careful, I will end up eating things I should not. This may be one of the reasons that so much time and effort was spent researching a way to have a sugar substitute. The first successful one was about 140 years ago. In the past few years, it seems that the development of these sweeteners has gone forward at a rapid pace. They seem to taste more and more like sugar.
Sweeteners Have Given Diabetics Better Options
Even though those of us who are looking for ways to manage weight use them, artificial sweeteners really serve the needs of diabetics. They give them the opportunity to enjoy most of the foods and drinks the rest of us take for granted. It helps them to manage their sugar levels and may keep them on a better track to experiencing overall good health. These sweeteners pretty much work for everything and may even be used in cooking.
Sweeteners for Counting Calories
As mentioned previously, many people look for artificial sweeteners to help them avoid weight gain, or even lose pounds. The real answer is still vague about such things. For certain, these products with no calories must help. It also seems to protect teeth from decay that is complicated by sugar. Some studies, however, have indicated that some of these products may increase hunger in some individuals causing them to eat more. I have known some people who appear to live on lots of sugar-free drinks but never seem to lose any weight.
Sugar Is Not All Bad
Even with its reputation, sugar itself is not a villain. Except for those of us who are diabetic, the biggest problem for most is the fact that they can't control their urges to consume foods or drinks that contain sugar. If we can limit our intake to an occasional sweet treat, we will be far better off. Finding a way to clean our teeth after eating or drinking something with sugar will help as well. Determining our goal is important.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.