Food Nutrition in Sugar
and Sweeteners
Sugars are one of the main
types of high-energy carbohydrates. During digestion, these sugars are
rapidly broken down into glucose by digestive enzymes in the stomach and
intestine, and then absorbed into the blood stream and dispersed around
the body as energy for muscles and cells. Unfortunately some sugars can
cause blood glucose levels to rise too fast and can lead to food cravings,
lethargy and appetite swings. Sugar does not provide any vitamins, minerals
or fiber except in the tiniest amounts and thus is considered by nutritionists
to be an 'empty' calorie food. Artificial sweeteners are divided into
2 basic categories: some (nutritive sweeteners) have a small calorie content,
while others (non-nutritive sweeteners) contain zero calories. Sweeteners
are typically 200-400 times sweeter than sugar, so while they have a lower
caloric value, they may encourage a sweet tooth. In addition despite reassurances
from the FDA, some nutritionists still harbor doubts as to the long-term
health risks associated with artificial sweeteners.
Energy in Sugar And Sweeteners
White sugar, glucose or fructose
(1 tsp) contain 15 calories. NutraSweet (1 tsp) contains 2 calories, Stevia
(1 pkt) contains zero calories as does Sweet N' Low (1 pkt).
Nutrients in Sugar
Sugar contains 100 percent
carbohydrate.
Vitamins in Sugar
Sugar contains no Vitamins.
Minerals in Sugar
Sugar contains no minerals
or trace elements.
Glycemic Index (GI) Value
For Sugar
Glucose has a GI value of
100, while table sugar (sucrose) has a GI value of about 65.
Most Nutritious Types of
Sugar
Sugar is a non-nutritious
food. Molasses, made from the residue of the sugar refining process, are
probably the healthiest type of sugar, due to their extra mineral content.
Nutrition in Types of Sugar
Blackstrap
Molasses
Brown Sugar
Cane Sugar
Caster Sugar
Date Sugar
Dextrose
Fructose
Glucose
Honey
Molasses
Powdered Sugar
Turbinado Sugar
White Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
and Diabetic Sugars
Calorie-Free
Sweeteners
Low Calorie Sweeteners
Acesulfame K
Saccharin
Sucralose
Diabetic Sweet
Equal
Nutrasweet
Sorbitol
Splenda
Stevia
Sucanat
Sweet 'n' Low
Weight Watchers
Sweetener
Xylitol
Weight Control, Exercise
and Nutrition
Some people who want to lose
weight make the mistake of focusing exclusively on calorie-intake and
counting calories. Although keeping track of energy intake is vital, energy
expenditure is also important. So too is diet nutrition, because when
we maintain a healthy body and metabolism, we burn calories faster. In
short, if you want to lose weight, make sure you eat a healthy diet in
order to obtain all your necessary nutrients.
More Information About
Calories and Energy Expenditure
Calorie Burning Exercise Advice
Calories Burned By Exercise
Calories in Foods
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