Frequently asked questions about the NO Added Sugar line
Dr. Ambra Federica Ciliberto is a dietician in the Gastroenterology Department at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Her areas of expertise range from nutritional education for all to nutritional classification for patients with specific pathologies, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. In this article, the doctor answers the most frequently asked questions about the new "NO Added Sugar" line.
1. What distinguishes the Venchi NO Added Sugars line from the existing offer?
Venchi has formulated a new recipe with a (clean label), clean ingredients list, containing exclusively sugars naturally present in the ingredients, ideal for the consumer wishing to safeguard their well-being without sacrificing taste. Furthermore, unlike many other products on the market, it does not contain any artificial sweeteners.
2. So what does the virtuous nutritional profile of the NO Added Sugar line involve?
Consider, for example, the NO Added Sugar extra dark bar: it is an innovative product that satisfies the palate of the sweet toothed without weighing down the body. The 2g of sugar present in every bar is found naturally in its high-quality ingredients Unlike many other products without added sugar, this bar does not contain polyalcohols, i.e. sweetening additives used to sweeten instead of sugar (e.g. maltitol). Polyalcohols often have a laxative effect and can alter the intestinal flora. Instead, the NO Added Sugar extra dark bar contains only 8.1 g of carbohydrates, which help keep blood glucose levels stable. The high percentage of fibre is due to the presence of inulin, a vegetable fibre that replaces sugar. Lastly, it does not contain any hydrogenated fats.
3. Can you explain the impact of artificial sweeteners on health?
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals that simulate the sweet taste of sugar without providing calories. Some examples are maltitol, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose and acesulfame K. Although artificial sweeteners are approved by health authorities as safe for human consumption, there are some concerns about their long-term health effects. According to some studies, artificial sweeteners could alter the intestinal microbiota, interfere with the sense of satiety, promote excessive consumption of sweet foods and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, this evidence is not conclusive and further research is needed. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of artificial sweeteners and prefer natural sources of sweetness.
4. What are the benefits of consuming foods with reduced sugar content and without artificial sweeteners?
Consuming foods with no added sugars and without artificial sweeteners can have several health benefits. These include:
Reducing calorie intake and preventing overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for many chronic diseases
Improving dental health, preventing cavities and gum disease caused by sugar
Maintaining good blood glucose balance and preventing or managing diabetes
Preserving intestinal health and bacterial flora, which play a fundamental role in digestion, immunity and the prevention of inflammatory and tumour pathologies
5. To whom would you recommend this line?
I recommend this line to anyone following a healthy and balanced diet who desires only quality and selected ingredients. Also, this line could be be a safe and tasty option for diabetics, who need to monitor their blood sugar levels and limit the intake of simple carbohydrates. Finally, it is suitable for anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as it does not contain any animal derivatives.
It is advisable, however, to consult your doctor before consuming the NO Added Sugar line, if you have diabetes or other pathologies involving restriction of sugars or sweeteners.
6. When should this line be consumed?
One of the peculiarities of the NO Added Sugar line is its versatility: the products can be consumed on a variety of occasions. Taking the example of the NO Added Sugar extra dark bar, it can be broken into small squares and used to sweeten coffee, giving it a delicious flavour. Or, it can be consumed as a pre- or post-workout snack, to provide energy and satisfy hunger without weighing down the stomach. Finally, it can be an after-dinner treat, to end the day in style with a touch of guilt-free sweetness. The NO Added Sugar line thus allows you to enjoy the benefits of chocolate at any time of the day, without sacrificing pleasure and quality.
7. Diabetics are usually told to control their sugar intake or even eliminate it altogether. But does this really mean that they can never eat sugar? Or is there a way for them to enjoy a sweet treat every now and then too?
Diabetes calls for a reduction in sugar consumption, but you need to pay attention to hidden sugars and how much sugar makes up your daily calories. This requires reading food labels, choosing low-sugar, high-fibre carbohydrates, and making conscious food choices to better control blood sugar levels. The NO Added Sugar line responds to these needs; Therefore, diabetics, too, - just like anyone who simply wants to reduce their sugar consumption - can enjoy their favourite product, reducing the danger of the negative effect on blood sugar that usually accompanies the consumption of sweets. Furthermore, the line contains few carbohydrates, thanks to the total absence of polyalcohols. The high percentage of fibre is due to the presence of inulin, a vegetable fibre that replaces sugars and polyalcohols and which gives a natural sweet flavour to the chocolate . However, it is important to consult your doctor to determine whether this line is suitable for your specific diet as a diabetic, since they know your specific needs and requirements.