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You can eat real sugar and still lose weight

IFor most people, consuming real sugar in moderation is healthier than using artificial substitutes.

Many dieters turn to sugar substitutes so they can add sweetness to their foods/beverages without the extra calories.   The problem is that sugar substitutes don't necessarily help you lose weight- in fact, they may even contribute to weight gain.   One theory poses that because artificial sweeteners can be 200 to 700 times as sweet as natural sugar, consuming them may interfere with your ability to judge natural sweetness. The safety of artificial sweeteners is another risk.   Older ones, like saccharine and cyclamates, were found to be dangerous years after they were deemed "safe".   So even though current studies don't definitively link them to specific health problems, it is wise to avoid the new chemical sweeteners on the market.   Although there's no conclusive proof that artificial sweeteners can lead to cancer or other diseases, it's what we don't know about them that is concerning.   For example, a test-tube study published last year by researchers at the University of Liverpool showed that the sweetener aspartame could be toxic to brain cells when mixed with a yellow food coloring--a combination found in many processed snacks. This one study doesn't prove that it's harmful to humans, but until research can show conclusively that these chemical additives are safe- it's best to avoid them.   For most people, consuming sugar in moderation (1 teaspoon is just 15 calories) is healthier than using artificial substitutes. If you want a lower-calorie alternative, consider more natural alternatives like Stevia and Tagatose --both are a good choice for diabetics and those who are sensitive to blood sugar highs and lows.

For more information on Stevia and Tagatose click the link.