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One difference between sugar and a sweetener is the quantity required. Due to the intense sweetness of sweeteners, they are required only in pinches. They are called high-intensity sweeteners. The most commonly used sweeteners in industry are:

1. Aspartame: It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.

2. Neotame: Extremely powerful sweetener about 7000 to 13000 sweeter than sucrose.

3. Saccharin: While this is not preferred at high concentrations, it is still 400-500 times powerful than sugar.

4. Sucralose: Due to its stability over heat it is used for baking purposes. It has 320 to 1000 times more sweetness than table sugar.

The harm to good  ratio of sweeteners are almost equal. People continue to use them to satisfy their sweet tooth because it is at least, better than natural sugar. They have certain advantages that can make you get up and run for them:

1. It helps to lose weight! - In place of high concentrated sugar, a pinch of sweeteners enables the person to eat the normal food without the fear of gaining weight due to high-calorie intake.

2. Good for the teeth! - Normal sugar is broken down by bacteria into acids. These acids are responsible in decaying the teeth. Some sweeteners like xylitol cannot be fermented and also prevents bacteria from sticking on the enamel.

3. For teasing diabetes: Sugar is almost banned for such people anywhere. But with the arrival of sweeteners they can consume the same sweet food without the fear of spike in glucose levels.

4. Even for low sugar ones: They have the ability to produce too much of insulin for a little sugar. Therefore artificial sweeteners are preferred as they are low - glycaemic.

5. Wallet loves them! In the long run: sweeteners are cheaper because of their long life and high-intensity sweetness.

Know where they are used!

Aspartame is used in desserts, beverages and chewing gum.

Saccharin is used in toothpaste, candies and drinks.

Stevia is used in milk mixes and soft drinks.

Sucralose can be found in beverages and breakfast bars.

Now for the harmful part!

There has been a study with rats that have shown that the consumption of artificial sugar increases the chances to get bladder cancer.

Some sugar substitutes act as a laxative causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

Nothing comes like the real! Having these fake sugars may not actually satisfy your cravings and you might fall into overeating as a result.

There have been reports that continuous usage of sweeteners can cause headaches and chronic level fatigue.

Behold the magic or organic!

Maple syrup: Pure and high quality maple syrup is rich in sweetness. It is made from boiling the sap of maple leaves. It has anti-cancer properties and causes less harm to the blood sugar levels. 

Honey: First the complex sugars are broken down to simple ones and then given to the honeycomb where the evaporation of water results in the formation of honey. Honey also helps to fight cold.

Blackstrap molasses: They are produced during cane sugar production at a point where sugar crystals are minimum. Lower GI than sugar makes it a good substitute.

Stevia: Stevia is extracted from the stevia leaves. It is calorie free. The fact that it is extracted and not metabolised gives it the disability to increase or decrease sugar levels.

Date sugar: This preserves all the nutrients of dates while being light on the blood. But this cannot be used in all foods like drinks.

Once diabetic, life has to take a more defensive mode. Try controlling your sweet tooth more than often as higher sugar levels can lead to fatigue, dizziness, heart problems and even death. Even natural sweeteners contain sugar and they must be used measurably. Working out and light nutritious foods save life.