I was reading through the New York times website today and found this article regarding fructose-sweetened drinks. The study shows that drinks sweetened with fructose led to higher blood levels of LDL/bad cholesterol and triglycerides in overweight participants, while drinks sweetened with glucose do not. It was also noted that those who were on the “fructose sweetened diet” also developed more fat in the abdomen versus those who drank glucose-sweetened drinks. The study is interesting as it focused primarily on the metabolic differences between glucose and fructose.
However, I wonder about what this study actually proves? The researchers still pointed out that fruits also contain fructose and glucose and those shouldn’t be limited. Would this study also include drinks sweetened with agave nectar or honey as they are higher fructose level sweeteners? It’s hard to tell. With all of the sweetener products (maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, etc) on the market, it’s getting more difficult for me to tell which sweetener is best or for that matter, healthier? What sweeteners do you use?
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It looks like high fructose corn syrup might be losing the war on sugars. Check it out! http://hypercurio.us/2009/04/29/the-end-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup/
When I need to sweeten food I prefer sugar to artificial and juices/nectars/honey to sugar.
But I don’t think, other than my personal pref to try to avoid artificial, that it really matters. I think what matters is proportion. If I am consuming so much sweetened food that I have a weight problem because of it — then the problem was NOT which sweetener, but rather that my diet is out of wack, out of balance and proportion.
I drink water, mostly — very little juice and zero soda or other sweet drinks (other than the occasional margarita — YUM) and I think it is important to be aware of “habit” things: soda everyday, sweet mocha coffee everyday, etc … the basics that are the basis of each days consumption should not be sweet and/or chock full of calories and chemicals and bad fats.
JMO
Hmm, I guess I don’t really sweeten a whole lot of stuff. Depending upon what it is I”ll use fruit(apples & bananas) a friend just gave me some stevia to try or just regular sugar.
I love honey too, I’ve also been using maple syrup and apple sauce in baked goods more, so good! I also believe in moderation and I’ve tried to wean myself off of fake sugar!
I generally use sugar. But I love the taste of honey. I bought some agave nectar out of curiosity but haven’t used it yet. Generally, I don’t think it matters that much which sweetener you use…as long as it’s in moderation. I’d prefer to use natural things over Splenda, even if it has more calories.