Comparing Sweeteners: Health Insights from a Nutrition Expert
Sugar, honey, or monk fruit: Which sweetener is healthiest, doctor reveals
Image: The Times Of India
In a detailed analysis, Dr. Rohini Somnath Patil evaluates various sweeteners, ranking monk fruit as the healthiest option due to its zero glycaemic index and calorie content. Regular sugar and jaggery are deemed less healthy, with jaggery being the worst choice.
- 01Regular sugar has a glycaemic index of 65 and provides no nutrients.
- 02Jaggery, despite being marketed as healthier, has a glycaemic index of 70-90, making it worse than sugar.
- 03Honey has a glycaemic index of 50-58 and contains antioxidants but still impacts blood sugar levels.
- 04Stevia ranks second with a glycaemic index of zero and no calories, though it may have a bitter aftertaste.
- 05Monk fruit sweetener is ranked first for its zero glycaemic index and lack of calories or aftertaste.
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The variety of sweeteners available today can be overwhelming, but Dr. Rohini Somnath Patil, a clinical nutritionist, offers clarity on their health impacts. She ranks regular sugar fourth due to its glycaemic index of 65, which rapidly spikes blood sugar without providing nutrients. Surprisingly, she places jaggery at the bottom of her list, stating it has an even higher glycaemic index of 70-90, making it worse than sugar despite its traditional health claims. Honey, while slightly better with a glycaemic index of 50-58 and antioxidants, still affects blood sugar levels. Stevia comes in second, boasting a glycaemic index of zero and no calories, although it may leave a bitter aftertaste. The top spot is held by monk fruit sweetener, which also has a glycaemic index of zero and no calories, making it the healthiest choice. Dr. Patil emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions about sweeteners to maintain health.
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Understanding the health implications of sweeteners can help individuals make better dietary choices.
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