Khaleej Times

The sweeter side of life

Artificial sweeteners, such as Tropicana slim, continue to be popular with the health-conscious looking for a sweet fix

- Deepa Narwani -deepa@khaleejtim­es.com

Sugar is one of the reasons behind weight gain, and those who want to shed pounds without compromisi­ng on their sweet tooth may find the calorie-free nature of artificial sweeteners to be a distinct advantage. These sweet alternativ­es can help cut calories off anything right from cupcakes to cappuccino­s.

According to the latest reports, 19.3 per cent of the UAE population suffers from diabetes with 36 per cent overweight and more than 39 per cent on borderline obesity. With obesity becoming epidemic, health-conscious consumers are increasing­ly replacing sugar with moderate amounts of artificial sweeteners. These products can help you get the sweetness you crave while saving your waistline. One of their other most appealing aspects that make them attractive alternativ­es is that they have virtually no calories and make for a great weight loss companion. Also, you need only a fraction of it compared with the amount of sugar normally used.

Artificial sweeteners also have a number of other benefits, such as helping diabetics control their carbohydra­te and blood glucose levels. The key to managing diabetes is proper regulation of sugar intake. It can be difficult to indulge in sweets without ingesting real sugar. But unlike sugar, artificial sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar levels because they are not carbohydra­tes. Reportedly, many diabetics have found that artificial sweeteners have in fact helped them curb their cravings.

Consuming these may also be beneficial for your oral hygiene. Sugar from delicious desserts can get stuck to your teeth and produce acids that could lead to decay and cavities, which can be avoided by opting for artificial sweeteners.

One product that has carved a niche in the market is Tropicana Slim, which can go a long way in help people adopting a healthy lifestyle. It is a healthier substitute for regular sugar, as it is sugar-free. It is made from corn/cassava extract (Sorbitol), Sucralose and Stevia. The sweetener has no preservati­ves and leaves no bitter aftertaste, making it ideal for hot and cold drinks, as well as all household cooking and baking needs.

Dubai-based resident Julie Addison says, “I have a sweet tooth but at the same time don’t want to gain weight. I use Tropicana Slim because it is the only sweetener that doesn’t have an unpleasant aftertaste. Plus, it has zero calories so I don’t have to worry about piling on the kilos. I prefer to use the granules to the tablets and use them in yoghurt and other baked items. I have even shed weight after switching over to the sweetener.”

Each sachet of Tropicana Slim (2g) contains zero calories. It is equivalent in sweetness to two teaspoons of sugar, which contain 40 calories. It is available in four varieties to cater to the needs of different age groups. It is available in Classic, Diabetics, Lemon and Zero Cal, which is ideal for baking and cooking.

“According to me, Tropicana Slim is the best sweetener in the market,” shares Mohammed from Abu Dhabi. “I have been consuming it to for over two years with my tea and prefer it because it tastes just like real sugar. It is also easy to carry around in the pocket.”

Artificial sweeteners can be used in a wide variety of ways as they are available in packets that can be easily added to your morning cuppa or the granules can be used as a substitute while baking and can be used to add sweetness to almost anything.

Um Mohamed adds, “No calories plus great taste is the reason I trust Tropicana Slim. Most sweeteners have a peculiar aftertaste, but Tropicana Slim tastes just like sugar because of which it is easier to get used to. I have started using it in all my dishes that require sugar and no one can tell the difference.”

Like everything in life, it is important to moderate the use of the artificial sweeteners. They are not a shortcut to weight loss, but consuming them in moderation can satisfy without compromisi­ng dental health or adding too many calories, and can be part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

According to the latest reports, 19.3 per cent of the UAE population suffers from diabetes with 36 per cent overweight and more than 39 per cent on borderline obesity.

 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Arab Emirates