Best and Worst Sweetners For Weight Loss

THE "REAL STUFF": CANE SUGAR(Table Sugar)   Maple syrup  Honey   If eaten in excess it can make difficult to maintain a healthy weight.  A small amount per day is a good approach.    AGAVE A few teaspoons is fine.  It is certainly not a sweetener for its health benefits.    HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP  Treat it like other added sugars.  Stick to the daily limits.     ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: ASPARTAME  SUCRALFAME  SACCHARIN  ACESALFAME  POTASSIUM   there is not enough evidence to confirm that substituting artificial sweeteners for sugar is an effective weight loss strategy.  A BETTER APPROACH  Limit the amount of sugar instead of replacing sugary beverages and foods with artificial sweeteners.    STEVIA  The form used in packaged foods, beverages and packets is a highly processed and refined ingredient.  It is not the straight plant extract. The FDA has not approved some forms of Stevia as food additives because of unresolved safety concerns.     SUGAR ALCOHOLS    SUGAR-FREE GUMS AND CANDIES  Good option for diabetics, but in large amounts they can cause some gastrointestinal distress.