As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I frequently come across ads for sugar free ice creams, sugar free desserts and sugar free gums, and realise the rising awareness of the harmful effects of sugar and the need to cut it back in day to day life.

High amounts of sugar consumption can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes and fatty liver disease.

But when they say SUGAR FREE, what do they actually mean? What do they actually add in place of sugar?

Let us name a few:

• Stevia
• Sucralose
• Erythritol
• Xylitol

Now, as far as stevia is concerned, it’s a plant native to Brazil and is also a low-calorie sweetener. However, stevia is often paired with artificial sweeteners such as maltodextrin, sodium saccharin, aspartame, sodium cyclamate, erythritol, that may lead to gut issues (gas, bloating, indigestion), lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure.

No one tells you that, right !!!

Don’t get pulled into the sugar free race. And don’t pick up a product just because it reads – SUGAR FREE. Read what’s on the label and how they are sweetening it.

Try to look for products sweetened with high quality dates, prunes, raisins, apricots and figs. These are natural sweeteners, they have calories but if you consume in moderation they won’t harm your gut and heart health.

Sweetening with natural foods is the true sugar free. And is an important aspect of clean eating.