All Foods A - Apples & Artificial Sweetner

 

As I had mentioned in my last post, which I had posted just a few minutes ago, though it should be posted yesterday and it was ready last night only but I guess, I forgot to click "publish". Forgetfulness or old age dementia? Whatever... I prefer to forget it and move to today's post. 

It's 1st April, the day of "A's" in my A2Z challenge. As I thought of three food items starting from A, apple comes first, and why not, I had learned A for Apple, then taught the same to my sons and now my granddaughter is teaching me the same. 

Artificial sweeteners are the other foods from A, which I will be covering in this post. 

APPLES

Who does not know the old adage - "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? A fresh apple is an ideal mid-morning or evening snack. It is an easy-to-carry snack that really satiates hunger. I love to eat the whole apple and the flow of juice in my mouth as I bite into fresh apples (only from Apna Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh) is just divine. I completely disown Fuji apples. I am vocal for local and feel very much responsible to cut my carbon footprints. 

Apple is low in calories and high in soluble fiber which helps in lowering cholesterol. It is rich in phytochemicals like quercetin which may prevent cancer and heart diseases. It is a go-to fruit for all weight watchers. One lesser-known fact about this wholesome fruit is that it enhances dental hygiene. 

If you are not so fond of fresh apples, I am sure you must have fallen for Apple cider vinegar or apple pies, jellies, jams, and sauce. 

Though we know that all fruits and veggies peels are rich in nutrients, people now prefer to remove the skin for the excess use of pesticides. Either wash the apples carefully if you are keen to eat the fruit with skin or eat without skin, especially if they are waxed.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

It was in the seventies when I first came across an artificial sweetener named "Sweetex". I think that was the time of the 1971 war and during the war, there was a shortage of sugar in the small town of Haryana, where I was living during those times. This sweetener was introduced by the local grocery store to be used in tea and coffee. It was nothing but Saccharin. The studies dating to the 1970s suggested that the artificial sweetener saccharin had caused bladder cancer in laboratory rats. Because of those studies, saccharin once carried a label warning that it may be hazardous to your health.

With weight gain and obesity, artificial sweeteners have found a strong ground to be popular among the masses. These become popular as they control the calorie intake and amount of sugar intake without much compromise on taste. It is also used as a sugar replacement for diabetics. And the best advantage is that they do not promote tooth decay. 

Though sweeteners in the market are safe for consumption, one must use them in moderation.

Aspartame is a popular sweetener. It is made from two amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It contains the same calories weight to weight as sugar but is 200 times sweeter, so can be used in smaller quantities. It is not advised for cooking as it loses sweetness on heating.

Artificial sweeteners are widely used in the food processing industry. The most popular 

use is found in soft drinks, powdered drink mixes, and other beverages, Baked goods, Candies, Puddings, Canned foods, Jams, jellies. and dairy products.

Stevia is another popular artificial sweetener. It is promoted as a natural sweetener. But the fact is that it is processed and refined. 

When choosing sugar substitutes, be a savvy consumer. Do not expect a magical transformation from artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes. They can help with weight management. But they aren't magic potions. Use them only in moderation.

Food marketed as sugar-free isn't calorie-free, so it can still cause weight gain. Keep in mind that processed foods, which often contain sugar substitutes, generally don't offer the same health benefits as whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z challenge 2022.