Hyderabad: The common misconception that sugar free sweets will not lead to weight gain has been debunked by experts. “When people notice the no-sugar label, they tend to pick up the product thinking they are making a healthy choice, but they are not looking at the fat content which is oil, ghee and others,” says Dr Ravi Shankar, an endocrinologist.
Diabetic patients often turn to sugar-free sweets during festivals in hopes of satisfying their sweet cravings in a healthy way. However, sugar free sweets are not all that healthy. They have been labelled ‘empty calories’ by doctors.
“I believe that the industry which produces aerated diet drinks and low sugar sweets is largely unregulated. The products contain amino acids and peptides which can cause damage to the brain and liver. Artificial sweeteners are used which are chemically processed,” says Dr Ravi. He also added, “The carbon dioxide added in aerated drinks, whether diet or not, leads to gastritis problems.”
Doctors suggest eating these sweets in moderation. “I used to eat a lot of sugar-free sweets despite having diabetes until my doctor advised me against it. Many people tend to eat more when they see that sugar is not added but the amino acids alone could harm one’s body,” says Surabhi Panicker. Nutritionists suggest switching to fruits low in sugar that have nutritional value, as opposed to low calorie sweets. “We can’t guarantee how the sweets are being produced. Every manufacturer adds some kind of processed sugar. To create a sweet with zero per cent sugar is impossible.” says Dr Maheshwar Mekam, a scientist at the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad.
These products are not particularly healthy and though your sugar intake might be slightly lower, you are consuming processed raw materials and fat, Dr Mekam says, and advises chewing fenugreek seeds instead whenever one has a craving for something sweet. This is also good for regulating sugar levels.
