Latest news with #stevia
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A Dietitian Reveals the Truth About Sugar-Free Candy
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."When you walk down the candy aisle, it's hard not to notice the array of sugar-free treats promising all the sweetness with none of the sugar. Whether you have a type of diabetes or are simply cutting added sugar. Maybe you've wondered: Are these candies too good to be true? What's really inside those shiny wrappers, and are they really 'better-for-you?' As a dietitian, I'm here to peel back the label and get honest about the truth about sugar-free candy. If you've ever been curious about the ingredients, how they affect your body, or how to separate fact from fiction, here's everything you need to know about the type of food. What is sugar-free candy, and is sugar-free candy truly sugar-free? Sugar-free candy is exactly what it sounds like: Sweet treats made without traditional sugar. Instead of using sugar, these candies typically rely on alternative sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or sucralose to deliver that familiar sweet taste. They're often favored by people looking to cut back on their sugar intake, whether for health reasons like managing blood sugars or simply for reducing calorie consumption. You'll find sugar-free versions of everything from chocolates to gummies, all designed to satisfy a sweet tooth without the added sugar. But here's the kicker. 'Sugar-free' doesn't always mean a total absence of sugar. The term is regulated, and sugar-free candy can contain tiny amounts of sugar as long as it's under 0.5 grams per serving. Additionally, while these candies skip traditional sugar, they sometimes include sugar alcohols or other sweeteners, which may still affect your body differently. For example, sugar alcohols often have a lower impact on blood sugar compared to regular sugar, making them appealing for people watching their glucose levels. However, eating too much can sometimes cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, or even diarrhea in some individuals. For most people, they're a helpful option for enjoying sweets in moderation, but it's important to read labels carefully to understand exactly what you're getting. It's important to note that sugar-free candy doesn't always mean it's free of carbohydrates. For example, Werther's Original Sugar-Free Hard Candies contain 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, even though they contain zero sugar. Not all carbohydrates used as ingredients are considered a sugar, and may impact blood glucose levels. What do they put in sugar-free candy? The sweetness in sugar-free candy comes from several possible substitutes. Here's a closer look at the most common ones: 1. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, aspartame, or saccharin, are popular in many sugar-free products. These compounds deliver a sweet taste without contributing the same number of calories as sugar and typically don't have a significant impact on blood sugar. Because they are much sweeter than sugar, only very small amounts are needed. Most artificial sweeteners pass through the digestive system with minimal absorption, so their caloric contribution is limited. Some studies have looked at possible effects on gut health and sweet cravings, but research in these areas is still ongoing. 2. Sugar alcohols Ingredients like maltitol, xylitol, and erythritol are classified as sugar alcohols. They occur naturally in some foods but are often manufactured for use in sugar-free candies. Sugar alcohols are lower in calories than sugar and are only partially absorbed by the body, meaning they may have a less drastic effect on blood sugar. It's worth noting that eating large amounts of sugar alcohols may cause digestive discomfort, like bloating or diarrhea, because they are not fully absorbed and are fermented by gut bacteria. 3. Other additives Sugar-free candies can include additives such as thickeners or fats to mimic the texture of traditional candy. These ingredients can influence the final product's calorie and nutrient content, so sugar-free doesn't always mean low in calories or fat. Reading the ingredient list can help you better understand what's in your sugar-free candy and how it fits within your personal preferences and needs. Is sugar-free candy good or bad for you? Sugar-free candy seems like a dream come true for anyone aiming to cut back on sugar. But, whether it's 'good' or 'bad' for you really depends on your individual needs. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide if sugar-free candy deserves a spot in your snack stash. Potential advantages Cutting back on added sugar If you're managing your sugar intake, sugar-free candy can be a nice alternative for satisfying your sweet tooth without the added sugars of traditional treats. It can be a win for those trying to manage their sugar levels or simply avoid the sugar rush crash. Just remember that sugar-free doesn't always mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free! Lower calorie option Many sugar-free candies have fewer calories than their regular counterparts, making them appealing if you're keeping an eye on calorie consumption. It's a little indulgence that doesn't feel like it's overdoing it. Better for blood sugar Unlike regular candy, which can cause blood sugar spikes in some individuals, sugar-free options are less likely to have this effect. This makes them a better choice for those managing diabetes or aiming to maintain steady blood sugar levels. However, it's still important to manage your portion sizes, as overindulging in sugar-free candy may also affect blood sugar. Potential drawbacks Digestive issues Here's the not-so-sweet side: many sugar-free candies use sugar alcohols like erythritol or sorbitol, which may cause bloating or discomfort if you eat too much. It's kind of like your stomach waving a little white flag after one too many pieces. Still an ultra-processed food with low nutritional value Don't forget, sugar-free doesn't always mean 'healthier.' These candies are ultra-processed foods and often come with a list of added ingredients like thickeners or oils. Also, just like regular candy, most of the sugar-free options do not contain any vitamins or minerals, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a nutritious snack. Sugar-free does not always mean carbohydrate-free For those watching their carbohydrate intake, sugar-free candy may still contain carbs. So it's important to consult the nutrition label to get the full picture. Is sugar-free candy good for your blood sugar? When it comes to blood sugar, sugar-free candy generally has less impact than candy made with standard sugar. This is because the sweeteners used, such as sugar alcohols or non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, are absorbed more slowly or not at all. The role of carbohydrates As mentioned previously, not all 'sugar-free' candies are carb-free. Some sugar-free candies, especially those with sugar alcohols like maltitol, still contain carbohydrates that can modestly affect blood sugar. Sugar-free candies may be better for your blood sugar management, but depending on the variety you choose, your sugar-free sweet treat may still impact your blood sugar, depending on the ingredients used to make it and the portion you consume. Studies on artificial sweeteners vs. sugar Artificial sweeteners should not cause blood sugar spikes—but there is ongoing research about their potential long-term effects, including possible impacts on gut bacteria or insulin response, but no conclusive evidence for major health risks when consumed in moderation. Everyone processes carbohydrates and sweeteners a bit differently. If you have specific health concerns, such as monitoring blood glucose or experiencing digestive sensitivity, you may want to pay attention to ingredient lists and portion sizes. The bottom line Sugar-free candy can satisfy a craving for something sweet without added sugars, but it's not inherently 'better' or 'worse' than other treats. The truth about sugar-free candy is that it's one option among many, and its value ultimately depends on your unique context, whether that's medical needs, personal taste, or individual response. A few things to keep in mind: Read labels: Check for sweetener types and other ingredients so you know what you're getting. And if you are watching your blood glucose, consider the amount of carbohydrates in the sugar-free food you're eating. Pay attention to your experience: Notice how different sweeteners affect your cravings, digestion, or overall satisfaction. Enjoy as part of your routine: Including sugar-free candy, like any food, is about choice and balance, not about restriction or 'good' versus 'bad' foods. At the end of the day, sugar-free candy is just one way to enjoy sweetness in your life. Whether you choose it or not, the most important thing is finding what works best for your body and brings you joy. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Common sweetener in fizzy drinks and yoghurt ‘can kill off the deadliest cancer'
A COMMON sugar substitute used in fizzy drinks, yoghurts and gum could be used to combat one of the deadliest kinds of cancer. Researchers fermented the zero calorie sweetener and tested it against pancreatic cancer - finding that it killed off malignant cells but didn't harm healthy ones. 2 Stevia is a shrub-like herb used to sweeten drinks and desserts instead of sugar, which can also be bought as powder or tablets. Previous research has suggested that stevia leaf extracts could have potential "anticancer effects". But isolating specific substances within the herb that could help protect against cancer and using them has remained challenging. Researchers from Hiroshima University suggested fermenting stevia with bacteria can structurally change the extract and produce bioactive metabolites - compounds that can impact living organisms. Study author Masanori Sugiyama, a professor in the Department of Probiotic Science for Preventive Medicine, said fermentation - or "microbial bio-transformation" - could "enhance the pharmacological efficacy of natural plant extracts" like stevia. The team tested their theory out against pancreatic cancer cells. "Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumour of the digestive system with a poor prognosis," co-author Prof Narandalai Danshiitsoodol said. "Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer continue to rise, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10 per cent. "The primary reason pancreatic cancer is considered one of the deadliest cancers is its subtle, insidious onset, with most patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage and missing the optimal treatment window. "Furthermore, pancreatic cancer is highly invasive and prone to metastasis, showing significant resistance to existing treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, resulting in very limited therapeutic efficacy. The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer - as patients share their stories "Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new and effective anticancer compounds, particularly those derived from medicinal plants." Researchers used lactic acid bacteria to ferment stevia extracts. They isolated over 1200 strains from fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal plants and evaluated their health benefits. They finally landed on Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain (FSLE) derived from banana leaves "to enhance the antioxidant and anticancer activities of stevia leaf extract through fermentation". They tested fermented and non-fermented stevia extracts against pancreatic cancer cells in lab dishes. Fermented stevia killed pancreatic cancer cells more efficiently than the non-fermented extract, the study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found. This suggested that "the fermentation process enhances the bioactivity of the [stevia] extract", Prof Sugiyama said. Researchers tested out different fermentation levels to see which was most effective against cancer cells. Lower concentrations didn't kill cancer cells immediately, but they slowed their growth. Healthy kidney cells were mostly unaffected by the stevia extracts. Researchers plan to study how fermented stevia affects cancer in mice next, to see how various dosages will work in living organisms. 'The present study has substantially enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of the Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain in the fermentation of herbal extracts, while also offering a valuable research perspective on the potential application of probiotics as natural anti-tumour agents,' Prof Danshiitsoodol said. In the UK, about 10,800 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year and 9,600 pass away from it, according to Cancer Research UK. It's the fifth most common cause of cancer death. Since the early 1990s, pancreatic cancer incidence rates have increased by 18 per cent in the UK. The disease is often diagnosed at a late stage because it frequently lacks noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can help extend patients' lives.
