I think it’s fair to say that many people love sugar. I find turning down a tiramisu or a classic New York cheesecake impossibly difficult. However, I know that sugar isn’t exactly my friend. Raw sugar is delicious, but it comes with so many harmful side effects. So, what are some alternatives to sugar what will not damage your teeth or your health in other ways?

For starters, stevia is a great choice.  Not to mention, stevia is much sweeter than sugar. Those reasons are all well and good, but there’s more. Stevia isn’t bad for your teeth! Sugar causes dental plaque. “Sugar alcohols” like Erythritol, Malitol, and Sorbitol are often used in gums and mints because dental plaque can’t build with these ingredients. What’s the downside to these ingredients then? It’s their calorie count. To read more about the benefits of stevia, click here.

Stevia may take a bit to get used to as it has a different taste than sugar. It’s also important to remember that stevia is the better option in moderation. Like many things, stevia is fine so long as you don’t over do it. To be fair, stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so it’s easier to eat less of it. If you are diabetic, then stevia is the best option for you. It doesn’t elevate insulin or glucose levels. However, it’s better to stick to organic stevia.

Now for a little unpleasantness. There is a side effect of stevia that makes me nervous. Stevia has caused gene mutations. Gene mutations don’t always lead to cancer, but it’s always best to be cautious in this scenario. Keep in mind that stevia is FDA approved. The purpose of this post is to provide a quick overview of stevia rather than a comprehensive review.