Sugar is sweet to the taste BUT sour for your health. This is because sugar has no significant nutrients, only calories, which most of us need to avoid. In quantities usually consumed in this country, sugar inhibits the immune system, increases blood triglycerides (blood fats), increases blood sugar levels, and robs the body of nutrients. Other sweeteners like raw cane sugar are less refined and retain many of the nutrients found in sugar cane and is more healthful, but they contain the same number of calories as white sugar. Artificial sweeteners are just that, artificial, and are possibly harmful; therefore they are not recommended. If you are looking for a low calorie sweetener that may lower blood pressure and blood sugar then try stevia. New research is suggesting that stevia — a natural compound isolated from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana may do just that. It’s low in calories and about 30 times sweeter than sucrose, and it’s been used as a sweetener in Japan for decades.” So why not try it for your health’s sake! (Comparative efficacy of powdered form of stevia (stevia rebaudiana bertoni) leaves and glimepiride in induced diabetic rats. Sumon, M. H. et al.,Bangladesh Journal of Veterinary Medicine 2008 6(2):211-215.)