Do you know the best alternative to sugar? (Image Source: Freepik)
Lifestyle Desk, New Delhi. Many people consider the beginning of their day incomplete without morning tea and biscuits. Due to this habit, we Indians are consuming more sugar than required, which is a matter of concern for health. Keeping this in mind, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist of Apollo Hospitals (Hyderabad) has expressed his views on the social media platform X. Yes, on February 6, through a post on 'X' he told what is the best alternative to white sugar (Best Zero Calorie Sweetener).
What is the best alternative to sugar?
Which is the healthiest sweetener? The answer is: STEVIA. Why is it the healthiest?1. Zero calories 2. Does not raise blood sugar or insulin 3. Safe for diabetics 4. No effect on teeth 5. Very small amounts needed Safe for daily use, such as with tea or coffee.…
According to Dr. Kumar, Stevia is the best option for people who like to eat sweets but do not want to compromise on their health. Describing it as a powerhouse of health, he enumerated its many benefits. Dr. Kumar told that Stevia contains zero calories, hence it proves to be best in terms of controlling weight.
The most important thing is that stevia does not increase blood sugar or insulin levels, making it completely safe for diabetic patients. Unlike sugar, it does not have any bad effect on teeth. Since it is much sweeter than white sugar, very little quantity is required. Dr. Kumar says that it can be used daily in tea and coffee.
What is Stevia after all?
Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener. It is made from the leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana, a plant found in South America. Local people there have been using it for centuries to sweeten tea and medicines, but only in the last few decades has it become popular throughout the world as a healthy alternative to white sugar.
"I like to take my tea and coffee without any sweetener, but I know many people find it difficult to tolerate bland tea and coffee," the doctor says, so stevia is a safe option for him.
Only 6 teaspoons of sugar are allowed a day
The World Health Organization recommends that adults and children should keep their sugar consumption to less than 10% of total energy. WHO suggests keeping it below 5% (about 25 grams or 6 teaspoons per day) provides the most health benefits, but due to the hidden sugars in snacks and drinks, most Indians cross this limit, increasing the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes and neurological problems.
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