How Do You Sweeten?
By Tom Herrin
Most of us consume something that we feel requires a bit of sweetener. It may be some drink that we have on a daily basis. Obviously coffee and tea are pretty common. We may also eat foods that may seem to taste just a little bit better when they are sweetened. I think of cereals, whether they are hot, such as oatmeal or grits, or something cold such as some kind of dry cereal from a box. Each of us usually has our own preferences. For me, there are some that I enjoy without any added sweetener, but there are also some that I like to have in a certain way.
Artificial Sweeteners
The idea of using something as a sugar substitute has been around for a long time. The first one was discovered more than 100 years ago. I was amazed to hear that the first sugar-free drink was available at a world's fair in the 1800s. I can't imagine how that must have tasted. Since then, we have made lots of progress, but these sweeteners still have a dark cloud around them. Many people are justifiably concerned as some of them have been known to be associated with some health issues.
Diet vs Diabetic
The real purpose of sugar-free products is to provide something that can be a true substitute to be used by individuals who are diabetic. There have been many developments that have saved lives. Many of us look for sugar-free foods and drinks because we want to reduce calories. I have been guilty of it myself. We need to carefully ponder our purpose. If we don't need to go sugar-free, we may be better off to avoid taking that route.
Real Sugar
Some of us are afraid of real sugar. For sure, if we eat too much, it is bad for our health. There are lots of calories that may add pounds. It is also the scourge of most dentists. It is difficult to clean teeth properly after eating sugar. Small amounts of sugar are not so bad. Unless we are diabetic, our best option may be to use only small amounts of sugar and look for other foods. It is simple and does not require any great expense. If we do this, we may be well on our way to maintaining good health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntersville, N.C.