The majority of people who follow ketogenic or low-carb diets miss sweets and beverages with added sugar. This is especially applicable to those who have a sweet tooth! Thankfully, dieters can now have a sweet treat every now and then owing to low-carb sweeteners.
Low-carb sweeteners for the ketogenic lifestyle often involve natural, synthetic, and sugar alcohols. Let’s go deeper and learn about them today.
Keto Diet: The Natural Sweeteners
Natural sweeteners are made from vegetables. They are plant-based and are high in nutrients, but some may contain carbohydrates that prevent you from entering ketosis.
Natural sweeteners include the following:
Monk Fruit
Sweetener made from monk fruit extract. Naturally high in sugar, it has a 0 glycemic index, 0 net carbs, and 0 calories and is 100 to 250 times sweeter than sugar. Always check the label carefully because it may contain other components such as sugar or molasses. It has a particular flavor that is distinct from sugar yet superior to the majority of other sweeteners. It is completely risk-free to consume and contains antioxidants that alleviate inflammation.
Stevia
Stevia is a plant-based natural sweetener with little nutritional value. A GI (Glycemic Index) of 0, no calories, and no net carbohydrates between 100 and 300 hundred times sweeter than sugar. It has an awful flavor that many people dislike, but it is an excellent sugar substitute for individuals on a keto diet or who are diabetic. Purchase only sugar-free stevia, as it is occasionally blended with other forms of sweeteners that include sugar.
Keto Diet: The Synthetic Sweeteners
Synthetic sweeteners, despite their innocuous nature, have been shown to drive appetite, disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the stomach, and cause inflammation.
There are several types of artificial sweeteners, such as:
Aspartame
Aspartame is a contentious sugar substitute. It is harmful, and one should avoid it at all costs.
Sucralose
Sucralose does not contain any calories. By a factor of 600, it is sweeter than sugar. Sucralose is a good substitute for stevia because it has a GI of 0. It is impossible to digest. Use artificial sweeteners only in moderation.
Saccharin
Saccharin is a sugar substitute that can be used in its place. Because it is 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is required. Despite its ability to endure high temperatures, it has a strong aftertaste that can only be mitigated by the addition of extra sweeteners. It is in your best advantage to avoid it due to the uncertain level of harm it may inflict.
Keto Diet: The Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are composed of polysaccharides that are resistant to degradation. They can be both naturally occurring and man-made. Sugar mixed with alcohol, but not to the point of intoxication.
Sugar alcohols include the following:
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found in many regions of the body. It is completely natural and has around 80% of the sweetness of sugar. It has absolutely no effect on insulin or blood sugar levels, although high doses have unfavorable effects, such as an upset stomach. This component has no effect on ketosis or weight loss.
Maltitol
Maltitol is a sugar substitute. It tastes exactly like sugar but contains only half the calories. It produces an increase in both glucose and insulin levels. Avoid. Many people dislike maltitol’s laxative properties. Maltitol has a higher incidence of bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain when compared to xylitol and erythritol.
Xylitol
Xylitol has the most similar flavor to sugar and is most commonly incorporated in chewing gum. It aids in the prevention of tooth decay and increases the teeth’s ability to absorb calcium. Those suffering from stomach issues should avoid it.
Xylitol should also be avoided by both cats and dogs. Always exercise extreme caution when in the presence of animals. Because of its proximity to sugar, it works well in a wide range of confectionery. This could result in a decrease in ketones.
Conclusion
Indeed, life could be sweeter even when you are on a strict keto diet. Now, you are informed that erythritol, monk fruit, and stevia are three natural sweeteners that can be used safely in cooking and baking. Enjoy your healthy and sweet lifestyle today!
Are you looking for easy keto recipes? Smart Cooking Recipes is your one-stop source for all things ketogenic and delicious. Join our newsletter today!
