Tag Archives: sweetener

Monk Fruit Will Save Your Sweet Tooth and Your Diet: Zero Calories up to 500 Times Sweeter than Sugar

monk fruit sweetener

Here in the new year, millions of Americans will try to cut back on sugar or drop it altogether. It’s a noble effort because sugar is devoid of nutrients, except for calories, which it has in spades.

Quick fact: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports each of us consumes 31 five-pound bags of sugar a year. That’s 267,840 empty calories from sugar alone. Still, people will be jonesing for something sweet to eat. Enter: monk fruit.

Traditionally, people used zero-calorie sweeteners to satisfy their sugar cravings at no caloric cost. Synthetic sugar substitutes, including aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda) and others, are added at the table but are mostly taken as carbonated diet drinks and low­ calorie foods. But consumption of those foods has taken a nosedive as of late as health conscious consumers flock to natural sweeteners. Stevia, the zero-calorie herb extract, is gaining appeal, but monk fruit is the real one to watch. (more…)

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Natalie K

Eat More Honey for National Honey Month

This month is National Honey Month and it just so happens that this week, we’re all about honey. Between the Jewish New Year, which includes a tradition of dipping apples in honey for a “sweet” New Year to First Lady Michelle Obama’s honey beehive at the white house, we just can’t get enough. Plus, there is just no denying that the sweet sugar alternative has some astounding health benefits.

According to the National Honey Board, Americans consume nearly 1.5 pounds of honey per year annually. While honey is certainly not new, it has recently gained popularity as a healthy alternative to sugar. At 60 calories per tablespoon, honey offers a number of advantages.

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Posted on September 28, 2023 by Maris

We Love Gatorade Naturals

Gatorade is a well known beverage, served at sports events everywhere, from preschool sports games to professional events. It’s arguably the most served beverage at sporting events, but many parents are not fans of it. The traditional G Series is often thought to be high in sugar, and in answer to this, Gatorade created a lower sugar version, called G2. This beverage wasn’t a perfect fit for many families, however, in that it’s sweetened with sucralose. Many families desire natural foods and beverages and Gatorade has created a new line of performance beverages to please the most discerning of athletes.

Called G Series Natural, the beverage is part of the Perform level, designed to be enjoyed while exercising. G Series Natural replenishes lost fluids and electrolytes exactly the same as traditional Gatorade. Containing only sea salt, natural flavors and natural sweeteners, this beverage meets the needs of athletes who don’t want artificial colors or sweeteners. G Series Natural is sweetened with sucrose and dextrose and has 50 calories per serving. For a lower calorie, yet still natural choice, G2 Natural is sweetened with Stevia, and has 20 calories per serving. Each bottle contains 2 servings. (Always read the label!)

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Posted on May 18, 2023 by Carmen

Diet Drinks Not a Diabetes Risk After All

Another victory for proponents of moderation: A recent Harvard study has countered the assertion that diet soda and other artificially sweetened drinks can heighten one’s risk for developing diabetes.

I say a victory for moderation proponents because this means that most people should be able to have a modest amount of diet soda if they please. As is the case in most instances, food should not be demonized or considered “the bad guy.” Our problems with food generally come from within, either with unexamined psychological issues or just not managing one’s time well enough to organize a healthy plan of attack.

Now back to our study…

A large group of men were examined for 20 years. While those who drank regular soda or other sugary drinks were more likely to develop diabetes, the people who drank artificially-sweetened soft drinks, coffee or tea did not show a propensity for becoming diabetic. (more…)

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Jason

Satisfy a Sweet Craving on a Diet

Like all cravings, an urge for something sweet is best handled by practicing moderation. When you’re trying to satisfy your craving, remember to eat slowly and enjoy every bite. Step away from other distractions so that you can focus on your treat.

Make an effort to identify why and when you crave sweets. Focus on new ways to achieve the same pleasure you receive from satisfying your craving. Eliminate your triggers (such as eating before a party or not keeping sweets in your pantry) and allow yourself small, healthy rewards.

Small amounts of fruit-based desserts are often enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. If you crave something sweeter than a bowl full of berries, then use a limited amount of sugar or other sweetener.

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by Theresa

Truth About Artificial Sweeteners on the Dr. Oz Show

Tune in on Tuesday, January 4 to the Dr. Oz Show when he gives you the facts and the fiction on artificial sweeteners.

On the episode, Dr. Oz will evaluate the most popular artificial sweeteners, like NutraSweet (aspartame), Splenda (sucralose) and Truvia (stevia). He’ll tell you which ones have been associated with weight gain, diabetes and even cancer. In 2024, researchers at Purdue University found that eating foods containing artificial sweetenerswas directly linked to eating more, consuming more calories and gaining weight. (more…)

Posted on January 3, 2024 by heather

Health Food Safety on The Doctors

Tune in this Monday, December 27 to The Doctors to learn just what food and health products are right for you.

Prevention magazine’s and The Doctors Health Investigator, Liz Vaccariello stops by to uncover the truth about a host of supposed diet-friendly products and foods. Find out if artificial sweeteners are really safe for you to consume and learn Liz’s own wellness tips for how to get healthy. (more…)

Posted on December 27, 2023 by heather

Your Yogurt Might Not Be as Healthy as You Think

Yogurt can be one of the healthiest food choices you can make in your diet. Packed with high quality protein, tons of calcium and full of  healthy digestive bacterias, a cup of yogurt can be part of a wonderful breakfast or be the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Be aware, though, not all yogurts are created equally, and many yogurts are so bad for you that they should be classified as a junk food. When faced with a sea of choices in the refrigerated aisle, how can you be certain that you are making the best choice? (more…)

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Carmen

The Truth About Fake Foods on The Dr. Oz Show

Tune in this Wednesday, October 20 to The Dr. Oz Show when America’s favorite doctor gives you the truth about the danger and safety on fake foods.

From artificial sweeteners like Splenda and aspartame and from fake butter to non-stick cooking spray, Dr. Oz will tell you which artificial additives and foods raise your risk for weight gain, diabetes and even cancer. (more…)

Posted on October 18, 2023 by heather

Finding the Right Health and Diet Products on The Doctors

Tune in this Wednesday, September 16 to The Doctors to find out the difference between health products and health foods.

What foods, products and procedures are right for you? Are artificial sweeteners safe? The Doctors Health Investigator, Liz Vaccariello, uncovers the truth. Not only are there tons of products and seemingly healthy foods to choose from, but there is also a lot of conflicting information about what products are safe and which ones are not. (more…)

Posted on September 13, 2023 by heather

Sugar Free Foods that Raise Your Blood Sugar

Sugar free foods that raise blood sugarHow can a “sugar free” product still effect your blood sugar? Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame don’t contain carbohydrates or calories, so they won’t impact blood sugar levels. However, The New York Times reports, these sugar substitutes are accompanied by sugar alcohols in many foods labeled sugar free.

Not quite a sugar or an alcohol, sugar alcohols have a molecular structure that looks like a cross between the two. Food manufacturers add them to “sugar free” products like chocolate, hard candy, cookies, and chewing gum. Sugar alcohols do have fewer calories than normal sugar, but still have some impact on blood sugar. (more…)

Posted on July 20, 2023 by Health Buzz