Put down the artificial sweeteners: a new study has identified erythritol, a sugar alcohol found in many low-calorie foods, as a biomarker for increasing fat mass.
Erythritol occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including pears, grapes, and watermelons. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a sugar replacement sweetener in a variety of baked goods, chewing gum, and beverages.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was conducted as an analysis of metabolomic markers associated with weight gain and increased fat mass in young adults during their transition to college life.
Researchers found that students who gained weight and abdominal fat over the year-long study had fifteenfold higher blood erythritol at the start of the year compared with their counterparts who were stable or lost weight and fat mass over the academic year.
Try these naturally sweet options, instead!
- Raw Honey
This superfood is packed with enzymes, antioxidants, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and niacin. This helps to neutralize free radicals and promote healthy gut bacteria, all while adding a sweet flavour to beverages and baked goods. What’s more, one tablespoon of raw honey has 64 calories, and has less of an impact on glycemic load than a banana. Talk about a sweeter solution!
- Dates
Perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your favourite foods, dates come with a plethora of health benefits. Loaded with copper, iron, manganese, magnesium and vitamin B6, dates can help to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Replace refined sugar with a date paste, and all of your treats will be more satisfying.
- Coconut Sugar
Due to its low glycemic load and rich mineral content, coconut sugar is a great addition to any food or drink recipe. Jam packed with calcium, potassium, polyphenols, iron, antioxidants, phosphorous, zinc, and other phytonutrients, coconut sugar is an easy-to-find, versatile option.
