All About Sugar-Free Sweeteners

Sometimes, in your quest for a carb-free diet, you may be tempted to try some sugar free-sweeteners. Be aware that some sugar-free sweeteners may be harmful in large quantities, and some may even cause your blood sugar to go up.

Here are some facts about sugar-free sweeteners.

• Artificial sweeteners - Artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose are basically carb free. They have no sugar, and are therefore good for people who are obese or diabetic. Side effects of overconsumption can include headaches, migraines, stomachaches and depressions.
  
• Natural sweeteners - National sweeteners, such as stevia, are also basically free of carbs. They are not known to have negative side effects. Some people find them to be too sweet, however, so use them sparingly.
  
• Sugar alcohols - These include sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, erythritol and hydrogenated starch hydrosylates. Sugar alcohols are only partially digested by the liver, so they do not cause much of an increase in the level of carbs that the body absorbs. They are often recommended for diabetics, although the effect on blood sugar levels after consuming sugar alcohols differs from one person to another.