While the body does require correct amounts of sweet, it is the lack of other nutrients that makes the body not function efficiently. Therefore, people who eat lots of sugar or meals that contain high amounts of sugar are overweight, but yet still in need of vital nutrients.

The problem with processed sugar is that the body is made to believe that it has received the required nutrients. When the sweetness is totally free of any essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes that would normally present in natural sweeteners. Since a long time, man has been seeking natural sweeteners to make his meal more palatable. So what could be a sugar substitute?

There are many natural sweeteners available in nature, but recent times we see many artificial sweeteners have been created. A strong debate has emerged about artificial sweeteners not being the healthy choice and frequent use may cause health problems in the long run.

Natural sweeteners also contain low calories and can help people watch their weight. It is useful in helping people manage their chronic conditions such as diabetes. Even your teeth can benefit because low calorie sweeteners reduce the chances of cavities.

Fructose is another natural sweetener that is found in fruit. It assimilates into the body more slowly than regular sugar or white sugar. But it has the same nutritional value. Fructose breaks down more slowly because it doesnt use insulin but is rather broken down by enzymes present in the bowel. It looks identical to common white sugar, but is relatively far sweeter. A much preferred option for diabetics, hyperglycemics and hypoglycemics.

Stevia, another low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternative seems to be gathering a lot of interest these days. Known to be extremely sweet, Stevia is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. This remarkable non caloric herb, native to South and Central America, has been in use since centuries as a sweetener and flavor enhancer.

Used for treating conditions such as obesity and blood pressure. It has a negligible effect on blood glucose. Stevia is a preferred natural sweetener for people with diabetes and others on a carbohydrate controlled diets.