There is no denying the truth that eliminating sugar from our diets is equivalent to eliminating the joy of wholesome eating. Sugar has been identified as the main cause of lifestyle diseases. Almost everything we eat and drink contains sugar, from bread to ketchup, curries and salad dressings to desserts and beverages. The search for the ideal replacement for the “white poison” has been a race, but the results haven’t exactly been promising. Although they do claim to have few calories, they are heavily processed and full of dangerous chemicals.
The defense of sugar
Due to its detrimental effects on health due to its large calorie content and lack of vital nutrients, sugar is seen as “bad” when ingested in excess. Sugar is also addicting, and consuming too much of it can result in weight gain, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes by causing insulin resistance. Due to the rise in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, it can harm heart health, liver health, and produce inflammation in the body, which can also raise the risk of developing certain types of cancer. However, consuming sugar in moderation won’t result in the aforementioned negative effects.
The defense of sugar alternatives
Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes are used as sugar substitutes. They don’t have the calories that sugar does. Although they are typically regarded as safe by regulatory agencies when ingested below the allowed limit, research have shown that their use may have risks and downsides. Consuming artificial sweeteners has been linked in a few studies to metabolic dysregulation and disturbance of blood sugar homeostasis. In other words, the extreme sweetness of these alternatives may boost desires for items high in calories, resulting in weight gain. They might affect the gut bacteria, which would impair digestion, according to other studies. They might even affect appetite, and studies have linked them to cancer. Aspertame, Sucralose, Saccharin, Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), and Neotame are a few examples of artificial sweeteners. Although stevia is a naturally occurring sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, it undergoes extensive processing before it is used.
Concerns surrounding Monk fruit sugar
A natural sweetener made from the monk fruit plant is called monk fruit sugar. The little, oblong fruit is indigenous to areas of China and Thailand. Due to its conceivable health advantages, it has been utilized for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine. Because it gives sweetness without adding calories, monk fruit sugar has become more popular as a sugar alternative. It has mogrosides in it, which are organic substances that give it its sweet flavor. Monk fruit sweetener is frequently recommended as an excellent choice for those trying to cut back on sugar, control their blood sugar, or maintain a low-calorie or low-carbohydrate diet.
Monk fruit is a superfood that obtains its sweetness from an antioxidant called mogrosides, preventing an insulin rise. This product is made from monk fruit extract and erythritol. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with no glycemic index that the WHO has not designated as unsafe. According to Pranav Malhotra, the founder of Trunativ, which was one of the first companies in India to obtain Monk Fruit sugar, it is a perfect 1:1 sugar substitute that can be used to sweeten drinks and desserts without causing any adverse reactions or leaving a poor aftertaste.
Is it actually secure?
Monk fruit sweetener is relatively new to the market because the FDA didn’t designate it as safe until 2010, according to well-known dietician Sandhya Gugnani. The natural sugars in monk fruit sweetener, which is made from the fruit, are primarily fructose and glucose. Mogrosides, a special class of antioxidants, give it its sweetness. Contrary to most fruits, monk fruit sweetener is devoid of fructose and glucose due to the mogrosides’ separation from the fresh-pressed juice during processing. This extract is used as a sweetener in foods and beverages and is sweeter than table sugar. Additionally to having no calories, it possesses antioxidant qualities. Even though it might be healthy, additional research is required.
While monk fruit sweetener is often regarded as safe for the majority of people when ingested in moderation, individual reactions and sensitivities can differ. Before adding monk fruit sugar or any other sweetener to your diet, it’s a good idea to read labels, be aware of any potential allergens, and speak with a healthcare provider if you have any particular dietary concerns or medical issues.
