Natural vs. Artificial Sweeteners: What’s Best for You?

The debate over natural and artificial sweeteners continues to spark intense discussion among fitness enthusiasts. With sugar consumption under scrutiny, many of us are torn between satisfying our sweet tooth and making healthier choices. While natural sweeteners like honey and stevia have gained popularity, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose also promise zero calories.

Nutritionist Suman Agarwal breaks down the differences between natural and artificial sweeteners in her latest instagram post.She explains the pros and cons of both to help you make informed decisions about the food you consume.

Natural Sweeteners

1. Processed Sugar: This sugar is extracted from natural sources like sugarcane or sugar beets and then refined for use in food. It has a high glycaemic index (GI), somewhere between 65 and 75. it has about 390 calories per 100 g.Eating too much processed sugar is linked to health issues,including heart disease,type 2 diabetes,and weight gain.
2. Jaggery: It is considered a healthier choice than processed sugar and offers some nutritional benefits, such as minerals and antioxidants. However, jaggery is still a form of sugar with a similar calorie count, so use it sparingly – especially if you have blood sugar concerns or are watching your weight.
3. Honey: One of the least processed natural sweeteners,honey is high in antioxidants. It has a lower GI than white sugar, causing a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels.
4. Dates: Dates are a healthy sugar substitute that