Sweeteners Guide: Natural Honey, Stevia & Sugar Risks

Are natural sweeteners like Stevia and Manuka honey safer than white sugar? Explore the health impacts of sugar addiction, the dangers of aspartame for kids, and why high fructose corn syrup is restricted in certain regions.

Honey for Cracked Lips

Dry, cracked lips can be caused by a number of factors, including hot or cold weather, open-mouthed breathing because of illness or habit, dehydration and even allergic reactions to certain kinds of cosmetics.

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How to Use Sugar to Heal Wounds

Healing through the use of sugar is an old-time tradition that has been used by both Native Americans and different tribes in Africa. In 2009, a series of tests were conducted in British hospitals to determine whether thereโ€™s any truth behind the idea that sugar can be used to treat wounds and ease pain.

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Mint chewing gum

Dangers of Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has five carbon atoms. Other sweeteners like sorbitol and glucose have six. While xylitol tastes sweet, dentists like it because itโ€™s not converted to acids that cause tooth decay in the mouth due to its molecular structure.

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Sweets

What Are Refined Sugars?

When planning a healthy diet, it's important to pay attention to sugar, a major staple that provides carbohydrate nutrients. Some sugar, especially the type called refined, cause a rapid rise in blood sugar that could raise your risk of diabetes and other chronic problems.

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Stevia

How Is Stevia Processed?

Stevia is a South American herb that has been used for hundreds of years as a sweetener. It contains compounds called glycosides -- or more specifically, steviosides -- that produce the intensely sweet taste, but provide no calories.

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white sugar in a bowl

Is Sugar Bad for Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a serious disorder of the bowels that causes pockets to form along the walls of the large intestine. The pouches bubble out, much like a weak spot on a tire, and become inflamed. When your condition worsens, you may experience diarrhea, bloating, abdominal tenderness and bleeding from your rectum.

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Happy family baking Christmas cookies at home

Swerve Sugar Alternative Information

In light of an obesity epidemic in the United States, manufacturers are rushing to create new products to meet consumer demands for products that will help fight weight gain. Artificial sweeteners have become popular with consumers, and polyols are among the newest types of sugar replacers.

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Various kinds of sugar

Does Eating Sugar Dehydrate You?

Sugar can dehydrate you if it gets to very high levels in your blood. This can happen if you are a diabetic, take certain medications or have an infection or certain organ diseases. If your kidneys start producing more urine to try to eliminate the sugar and you lose enough fluid, dehydration can result.

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Sugar beet roots

Nutritional Content of Sugar Beets

Sugar beets are a type of root vegetable used to produce sugar. These deep crimson-red root vegetables are rich in nutrients, but low in fat and calories. You can eat sugar beets raw or cooked. When choosing sugar beets, look for beets with firm skins and non-wilted leaves. Smaller beets are typically sweeter.

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Tractor Truck Crop Loading

How Is Sucrose Exacted From Sugar Cane?

Around 70 percent of the world's sugar supply is extracted from sugar cane, according to website of Sugar Knowledge International. This table sugar, also known as sucrose, is a combination of two simple sugar molecules: the simple carbohydrates fructose and glucose. It is stored in the sap of the sugar cane plant.

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Sinus MRI

Sugar's Effects on the Sinuses

Sugar is found in a wide variety of foods ranging from breakfast cereals to salad dressings. In fact, the average American consumes over 30 tsps. of refined sugar daily, according to registered dietitian Sandra Woodruff in her book, "The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan."

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Sugar

How Much Sugar Should a Teen Have a Day?

Sugar, a quickly digested simple carbohydrate, contains 4 calories per gram and provides no essential nutrients. Like adults, teens should limit their daily intake of sugar, especially sugars added during processing to foods such as sodas, candies, pastries and snacks.

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Pasta and meatballs with tomato sauce

How to Sweeten Spaghetti Sauce

Tomatoes are a member of the deadly nightshade family and were originally considered poisonous when they were first introduced to England. In truth, tomatoes are full of healthy lycopene, beta carotene and several vitamins and minerals, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

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Mid adult woman making cookies with son and daughters

How Does Sugar Give You Energy?

Table sugar, or sucrose, is a dietary sweetener derived from a variety of plant sources, including sugarcane and sugar beets. Nutritionists classify sucrose as a simple sugar, because your body easily and quickly digests and assimilates it.

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Does Honey Promote Tooth Decay?

Like most sugary foods, honey can promote tooth decay. Honey does have other health benefits, but it also contains a very high percentage of natural sugars. Sugar in the diet triggers acid erosion of the teeth, particularly if you eat sugary snacks often.

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sugar cubes heaped on a pile

The Process of Breaking Down Sugar

Sugar, both craved and criticized, proves an essential part of life. Your body uses sugar as its main source of energy and makes it possible for your cells to perform vital functions. Your body obtains sugar by breaking down carbohydrates during digestion.

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Variety of sugars on a chalkboard

How Does the Human Body Digest Sugar?

The term "sugar" is commonly associated with sweet treats or a white crystalline powder you add to foods; however, sugar is also a classification of carbohydrates.

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Fresh stevia leaves and bowl with sugar

Xylitol Vs. Stevia

Added sugar in your diet contributes calories without additional nutrients, while too much sugar may increase your risk for obesity, high triglyceride levels and tooth decay. Sugar substitutes may be healthier alternatives to added sugars if you want sweet foods; xylitol and stevia are two popular options.

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Close-up of a raspberry

How to Make Raspberry Extract

Making homemade raspberry extract uses the same technique as making raspberry-infused vodka except you repeat the process several times to concentrate the flavor.

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golden honey bee

Does Sugar Make You Bloated?

Feeling bloated never is a comfortable feeling, especially if other gastrointestinal problems accompany it, such as pain, flatulence or changes in bowel movements.

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