Also Known as
Artificial sweetener

Description
A sugar substitute is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, but usually has less food energy. Some sugar substitutes are natural and some are synthetic. Those that are not natural are, in general, referred to as artificial sweeteners.

This may be seen in soft drinks labeled as "diet" or "light," which contain artificial sweeteners and often have notably different mouth feel.

How to Select
Artificial sweeteners are available very easily at Food markets as well as medicine shop. Just follow strictly to your doctor's prescription if taking artificial sweetener for a specific purpose. Read the label thoroughly and then purchase accordingly. Very popular names are Aspartame, Saccharin, Equal,

Culinary Uses
· It can be added to your morning cup of tea as well as coffee.
· Sugar substitute can be inculcated in any food where you want a sweet flavour.
· It blends well in cakes, drinks, sweet dishes as well as milkshakes.
· A convenient way to use with no real sugar and calories.

How to Store
Keep them away from moisture. It will stay intact in its own container. It comes with the manufacturing as well as the expiry date stamped on it, so verify before buying.

Health Benefits
· To assist in weight loss; some people choose to limit their food energy intake by replacing high-energy sugar with other sweetener having little or no food energy. This allows them to eat the same foods they normally would, while allowing them to lose weight and avoid other problems associated with excessive caloric intake.
· Dental care - sugar substitutes are tooth friendly, as they are not fermented by the micro flora of the dental plaque.
· Diabetes mellitus - people with diabetes have difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels. By limiting their sugar intake with artificial sweeteners, they can enjoy a varied diet while closely controlling their sugar intake. Also, some sugar substitutes do release energy, but are metabolized more slowly, allowing blood sugar levels to remain more stable over time.
· Reactive hypoglycemia - individuals with reactive hypoglycemia will produce an excess of insulin after quickly absorbing glucose into the bloodstream. This causes their blood glucose levels to fall below the amount needed for proper body and brain function. As a result, like diabetics, they must avoid intake of high-glycemic foods like white bread, and often choose artificial sweeteners as an alternative.
· Avoiding processed foods - individuals may opt to substitute refined white sugar with less-processed sugars such as fruit juice or maple syrup. (See List of unrefined sweeteners).