What are the benefits of sugar substitutes?
If you are diabetic, eating real sugar can quickly raise your blood sugar. People who have diabetes are at risk for serious problems if they do not keep their blood sugar under control. For example, their eyes, kidneys, hearts, and nerves can be damaged. Sugar substitutes allow people who have diabetes to enjoy sweet-tasting foods and drinks without raising their blood sugar levels. For everyone, eating large amounts of sugar adds extra calories. This can cause weight gain. Sugar substitutes allow you to have sweets with fewer calories. They offer the sweetness of sugar without the calories. They can help lower the calories in your diet and limit weight gain from sweets. Also, diet drinks sweetened with sugar substitutes do not cause cavities in your teeth like sugary drinks can.
