Who doesn’t like sweets? We all do! From laddus and barfis to kheer and gulab jamun, no Indian meal or occasion is complete without serving these heavenly sweets. They certainly give satisfaction to the heart, but we must not forget that they contain abundant amounts of sugar. For diabetics or people trying to lose weight, sugar-free sweets have emerged as a popular option. Nowadays, you will easily find sugar-free alternatives to your favorite sweets in the market. Although it may be tempting to consume them, have you ever wondered if they are actually healthy? Do they live up to the promise, or are they just a fluke? Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre revealed the truth on her Instagram handle. First, let’s understand what “sugar-free” actually means.
Also read: Diabetes Diet: This sugar-free, gluten-free pudding is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth
Photo Credit: iStock
What makes sugar-free?
As the name suggests, Sugar-Free is made without sugar. Instead, it is prepared using alternative sweeteners that replicate the taste of sugar and contain almost no calories. The most popular artificial sweetener is aspartame, which is commonly used in diet soda and chewing gum. Additionally, saccharin and sucralose are also popular sugar-free alternatives.
Here’s what the expert revealed:
So, are sugar-free sweets good for our health? According to Amita, it is completely fine to consume sugar-free sweets in moderation, but the problem arises when you overdo it. Many people consume it excessively, especially during the festive season. She says, “Eating sugar-free halwa or sugar-free sweets at this time of the year won’t necessarily benefit you. Whether you’re eating sugar-free sweets, regular sweets, or jaggery-based sweets, the quantity should be Small.” Amita further explains that just because it is sugar-free does not mean that you can eat half a kilogram of it in a week. This is because sugar-free sweets also contain other ingredients that can lead to the consumption of excess calories.
Watch the full video below:
View this post on Instagram
What is the difference between sugar-free and no added sugar?
Sugar-free products are not the only products you find in the market. There are also many food products that are labeled ‘no added sugar’. As a customer, it can be quite confusing to decide which one to choose. So, is there any difference between the two, or are they the same? Well, there is! Sugar-free foods contain no sugar at all, both natural and added. On the other hand, foods labeled ‘no added sugar’ do not contain any added sugar. However, they may contain some naturally occurring sugars.
Also read: 7 Sugar Free Breakfast Recipes for Diabetic Diet
Now that you know the truth about sugar-free, we’re sure you’ll be more confident about making the right decision for you. Stay fit and healthy!
