Susta - a New All Natural Sweetener

Recently we received a complementary issue of "Intelligent Investor Report" in the mail promoting the stock for a new natural sweetener called Susta. Included with the advertisement was a sample of Susta. My curiosity was aroused and I decided to do some research about this new natural sweetener.

Susta's claim to fame is that it is low in calories, all natural and contains nutrients that are good for your health. Stevia is another natural sweetener that has been available for a few years now. It is derived from the herb, stevia, which is many times sweeter than sugar and all natural. The difference between the sweetener Stevia and the sweetener Susta is that Stevia does not contain any healthful nutrients. So what healthful nutrients does Susta contain?

Susta claims to promote good digestive and immune health through the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics contained in the sweetener. Probiotics are the latest word in nutritional food benefits. They are actually live microorganisms or friendly bacteria that are either added to food or occur naturally. Consuming foods with probiotics can be helpful in treating irritable bowl, lactose intolerance and traveler's or anti-biotic induced diarrhea. Eating foods with probiotics increases the healthy bacteria in your system boosting your immunity and promoting a healthy digestive system.

Prebiotics are also considered beneficial to the health of the body in the same way as probiotics in that they stimulate the growth of bacteria in the digestive tract. They are considered a functional food which are foods that contain nutritional additives such as vitamins and minerals and are non-digestible. Susta contains some amounts of vitamins C, B6 and B12, folic acid, biotin, niacin, selenium and chromium. Like probiotics, prebiotics contribute to the overall health of the digestive system.

Obesity and diabetes are increasing health concerns in our country. Susta strives to address these concerns. A packet, or one serving of Susta contains only 5 calories. This is a plus for the weight conscious or those trying to lose pounds. It also claims to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels which is good for diabetics. As there has been much controversy over artificial sweeteners and cancer, it is also a plus for Susta in that it is a natural sweetener. There is an interesting debate about the pros and cons of Susta on the website http://www.biteofthebest.com/susta-natural-sweetener/ . The majority of comments were favorable with regard to the taste; but others raised some serious health concerns. One of the biggest complaints of sweeteners is the bitter after-taste. I tried Susta on my cereal and grapefruit and was pleasantly surprised that it tasted much like sugar and had no after taste.

The company that produces Susta also offers yogurt smoothies and a diet cola that both contain Susta. According to the advertisement both products have made a favorable impression on the consumer. Also being offered online is a baking version of Susta called Susta Bowl.

As of this writing Susta is available in only 16 states. Very few well known grocery store chains carry it. It will soon be available in Albertson stores in Texas, Arizona and Florida. It is not cheap costing around $6.99 for 50 packets. With the rise of obesity and type II diabetes in this country there is a need for products like Susta. It is unfortunate that this need is being met by products that add the nutrients we can get naturally through a proper diet of fruits and vegetables; employing a little self-discipline, and getting up off the couch.

Sources: 1. http://www.nxtnutritionals.com/susta-overview

1. http://www.nxtnutritionals.com/

2. http://www.medicinenet.com/probiotics/article.htm

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prebiotic_%28nutrition%29