Sweeteners: artificial and natural
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In this article we will look at the differences between these two types of sweetener, the risks and benefits associated with their use, and how they are used in sports supplements.
The former are undoubtedly synthetic products, with a level of sweetness that can be even higher than sugar and with few or even zero calories. Aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame K have been widely used in the food industry for years in low-sugar or sugar-free products, the so-called "light" products. Their intense sweetness means that smaller amounts than traditional sugar are needed to achieve the same taste. Their clear advantage over other types of sweetener is therefore their low calorie content, which makes them attractive to anyone trying to control their calorie intake or lose weight. In addition, artificial sweeteners do not significantly affect blood sugar levels, which is useful for people with diabetes, nor do they cause tooth decay, since they are not fermented by the bacteria in the mouth.
However, these sweeteners are associated with a general concern about excessive consumption which, as with everything, is not advisable. Be careful not to consume them in excessive amounts, as this risks increasing your overall appetite or creating a growing craving for equally sweet foods, undermining your efforts to keep calories in check.
What about natural sweeteners? They come from natural sources such as plants, flowers or products made from them. Honey, stevia, concentrated fruit juice and maple syrup are just some of them. These sweeteners contain natural sugars, similar in chemical structure too to ordinary sugar or glucose.
These natural substances often have a higher calorie content than artificial sweeteners. Compared with ordinary sugar, they have fewer calories or, in some cases, about the same.
Natural sweeteners offer an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Many of them have a lower glycaemic index than traditional sugar, for the same quantity, which means they have less impact on blood sugar levels, i.e. glycaemia. Some natural sweeteners, such as stevia, are also calorie-free, making them suitable for anyone trying to reduce their calorie intake without giving up a full, recognisable taste.
Natural does not always mean healthy. Although they may seem low-risk, it is still important to consume them in moderation. Some natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, have a significant calorie content and a far from negligible glycaemic index. Nor can sensitivity reactions or, in very rare cases, allergies be ruled out in a small percentage of the population.
Sweeteners are essential because they improve the palatability of products that would otherwise be difficult to take as they are.
Not all products need sweeteners, and some people prefer to choose for themselves how, if at all, to "sweeten" their recipes. For this reason, for example, our protein powder range includes a NATURAL version, without flavourings or sweeteners. These are neutral, pure products that are being very well received on the market thanks to their technical characteristics (the percentage reaches 97%!).
Whether artificial or natural, sweeteners can in any case offer valid and very well-tolerated alternatives to traditional sugar. Here too it is important to make informed, balanced choices, taking into account your individual needs and consulting a professional if necessary and, above all, trying as far as possible to keep a healthy balance between what is industrially modified and what we can find in nature. This last point will help optimise sports performance without neglecting taste and the emotional side of food.
The former are undoubtedly synthetic products, with a level of sweetness that can be even higher than sugar and with few or even zero calories. Aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame K have been widely used in the food industry for years in low-sugar or sugar-free products, the so-called "light" products. Their intense sweetness means that smaller amounts than traditional sugar are needed to achieve the same taste. Their clear advantage over other types of sweetener is therefore their low calorie content, which makes them attractive to anyone trying to control their calorie intake or lose weight. In addition, artificial sweeteners do not significantly affect blood sugar levels, which is useful for people with diabetes, nor do they cause tooth decay, since they are not fermented by the bacteria in the mouth.
However, these sweeteners are associated with a general concern about excessive consumption which, as with everything, is not advisable. Be careful not to consume them in excessive amounts, as this risks increasing your overall appetite or creating a growing craving for equally sweet foods, undermining your efforts to keep calories in check.
What about natural sweeteners? They come from natural sources such as plants, flowers or products made from them. Honey, stevia, concentrated fruit juice and maple syrup are just some of them. These sweeteners contain natural sugars, similar in chemical structure too to ordinary sugar or glucose.
These natural substances often have a higher calorie content than artificial sweeteners. Compared with ordinary sugar, they have fewer calories or, in some cases, about the same.
Natural sweeteners offer an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Many of them have a lower glycaemic index than traditional sugar, for the same quantity, which means they have less impact on blood sugar levels, i.e. glycaemia. Some natural sweeteners, such as stevia, are also calorie-free, making them suitable for anyone trying to reduce their calorie intake without giving up a full, recognisable taste.
Natural does not always mean healthy. Although they may seem low-risk, it is still important to consume them in moderation. Some natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, have a significant calorie content and a far from negligible glycaemic index. Nor can sensitivity reactions or, in very rare cases, allergies be ruled out in a small percentage of the population.
Sweeteners are essential because they improve the palatability of products that would otherwise be difficult to take as they are.
Not all products need sweeteners, and some people prefer to choose for themselves how, if at all, to "sweeten" their recipes. For this reason, for example, our protein powder range includes a NATURAL version, without flavourings or sweeteners. These are neutral, pure products that are being very well received on the market thanks to their technical characteristics (the percentage reaches 97%!).
Whether artificial or natural, sweeteners can in any case offer valid and very well-tolerated alternatives to traditional sugar. Here too it is important to make informed, balanced choices, taking into account your individual needs and consulting a professional if necessary and, above all, trying as far as possible to keep a healthy balance between what is industrially modified and what we can find in nature. This last point will help optimise sports performance without neglecting taste and the emotional side of food.