How Sweet it is Without Sugar!
How Sweet it is!!!
First a Bit of History...
The first low-calorie sweetener ever made is Saccharin, and it was discovered in way back in the year 1878.
Artificial sweeteners are considered "free foods" for diabetics and they do not raise blood glucose levels.
Aspartame is 180 times sweeter than sugar
The more popular brand names for aspartame are Equal, Sweetmate, and Spoonfuls.
Aspartame when heated breaks down and loses its sweetness.
It can be added to already cooked foods and foods after they cool down.
The loose granulated form of aspartame sugar substitute measures just like sugar...spoonful to spoonful...It has the same sweetness as sugar but has only 1/8 the calories of sugar.
Did you know that most low-calorie sweeteners are not digested by the body.
Except for aspartame, which is metabolized naturally by our bodies.
Equal Recipes
Acesulfame Potassium (also known as acesulfame-K) is 200 times sweeter than sugar.
It is sold under the brand name Sweet One.
Saccharin is basically 300 times sweeter than sugar.
It is sold under the brand names Sweet 'N Low, Sucaryl, Sugar Twin, Sweet Magic and and Zero-Cal
Saccharin can be used to sweeten hot and cold foods.
Saccharin has a slightly bitter aftertaste. The flavor becomes stronger when heated.
Sweet N Low Recipes
Sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar.
It is sold under the brand name Splenda.
Splenda (Sucralose) can be used in recipes that require long heating periods without loosing any of it's sweetness.
Splenda Recipes
Stevia is a member of the Chrysanthemum family...and has has no aftertaste.
It is available in health food stores.
It is heat stable for cooking and baking...
The concentrated white powder is 300 times sweeter than regular sugar.
The greenish-black concentrated liquid is 70 times sweeter than regular sugar. But the liquard form can discolor light colored foods.
They also have a crushed leaf form that is about 30 times sweeter than regular sugar.
It usually comes in small tea-bag like packets and is useful for sprinkling on top of foods.
Please note that these leaf particles do not dissolve.
Stevia Recipes
Regular Sugar
Provides structure and volume in baked goods.
So please always check the labels on each sugar subsitute to see what is recommended when subsituting.
NOTE: Pregnant women are cautioned not to use Saccharin.
The glycemic index (GI)
is a dietary tool that is very useful for the control of diabetes and also weight loss. When you regularly eat low glycemic foods, it can help you control your blood sugar levels and also control your weight.
This Chart is from the Sweet N Low Website
Substitution Chart
Packets |
Bulk |
Liquid |
||
| 1/4 cup granulated sugar | 6 | 2 teaspoons | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| 1/3 cup granulated sugar | 8 | 2 1/2 teaspoons | 2 teaspoons | |
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar | 12 | 4 teaspoons | 1 tablespoon | |
| 1 cup granulated sugar | 24 | 8 teaspoons | 2 tablespoons | |
Other Alternatives for Sugar and Sugar Subsitutes
For 1 cup of sugar in baked bread recipe
Use in place 1 cup of honey and a pinch of baking soda
For 1 cup of sugar in standard baking recipes
For 1 cup of sugar in standard baking recipes
Use 7/8 cup of honey and a pinch of baking soda
For 1 cup of sugar in main meal dishes
For 1 cup of sugar in main meal dishes
Use ¾ cup of honey
Or you can try....
Fruit Sweeteners...
Commercial fruit sweeteners can usually be found in health food stores,
Commercial fruit sweeteners can usually be found in health food stores,
gourmet food stores and supermarkets.
These fruit sweetners usually are a combination of unsweetened pineapple syrup and concentrated pear and peach juices,
It is 1-1/2 to 2 times sweeter than regular sugar.
Diabetes Awareness
Control the ABC's of Diabetes
To make people with diabetes more aware of their higher risk for heart attack and stroke, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has launched a national campaign called "Be Smart for Your Heart: Control the ABC's of Diabetes". The campaign was designed to help people understand the basic keys to living with diabetes. "A" for hemoglobin A1c, "B" for blood pressure, and "C" for cholesterol - and learn the steps they can take to lower their risk of heart ailments. The NDEP's new brochure explains these points and includes a handy wallet card to help people keep track of the ABC's.
To obtain a copy of the brochure and wallet card, call 1-800-438-5383 or 1-800-DIABETES
or log onto The National Diabetes Education Program
Main Page http://www.ndep.nih.gov/
For Brouchures http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/prev/prevention.htm
