7 Healthier Sugar Alternatives to Try

Sugar is one of those ingredients that has its own share of controversies. Most of us have a sweet tooth, and we are well familiar with how easy overeating sugary foods can be. If you are reading this article, you should be proud of yourself because you’ve figured out that white sugar isn’t your best bet in terms of health.

We know that giving it up totally is impossible because many of the foods that we eat contain sugar. Sugar not only sweetens and preserves our food but also  enhances the flavor of food. Which makes it hard to avoid and resist, but the health benefits of reducing your sugar intake are clear. 

White sugar is high in caloric content, which leads to spike in blood sugar levels and it also leads to weight gain and diabetes.  Further excessive added sugar consumption may also lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Limiting your sugar intake is important especially for older adults.

It may be difficult to sort through all the sugar alternatives on the market to decide which one is right for you. Don't worry we’ve filtered through the possibilities, and present to you the best natural sugar alternatives so you can stay healthy and sweet.

Also read - why you should quit Sugar

STEVIA

Stevia has been used throughout the world since ancient times. This sugar substitute originates from the leaves of the plant  Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia is an excellent zero calorie natural sweetener.  Stevia ranks as  the best alternative to sugar out there with regards to its zero glycemic index.  Studies also suggest that stevia can control blood pressure, decrease blood sugar level in people with diabetes, and reduce weight.  It comes in various forms, including powder and liquid, so you can add them with hot or cold beverages and cereals, or simply into your favorite recipe.

HONEY

Honey is a natural sweetener that is famous for its incredible health benefits.  Honey is been used since ancient times as a natural sweetener because it has high level of fructose and is obtained from the nectar of flowers by honeybees. However most honey's you encounter at the supermarket are over-processed, which causes them to lose their superpower status, and some aren’t even legally honey. If you are shifting towards honey make sure you research the company, preferably look for raw and organic honey which has not been filtered. Honey is sweeter than sugar so you need less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness.

MONK FRUIT

If  you're looking for a zero-calorie, zero-carb sugar alternative, Monk fruit Sweetener is an excellent choice. Monk fruit is  used as a sweetener and therapeutically for centuries and comes from a small fruit native to Asia. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This natural sweetener also works well for a wide variety of diets including low-carb, low-sugar, vegan, candida, keto, and paleo. You can substitute one cup of sugar with use of 1 teaspoon of monk fruit.

COCONUT SUGAR

Another interesting natural sweetener that can be a good alternative to table sugar is coconut sugar. It is produced from the sap of the coconut palm.  Coconut sugar is packed with iron, potassium, zinc and magnesium as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. It also has a low glycemic index value that makes it the best sugar alternative that you can add to your diet. Due to low glycemic it won't cause much of a spike in blood sugar when consumed.  However coconut sugar may not be a best option for people looking to lose weight. As it has the same amount of calories as table sugar  (375 calories per 100 grams). But that doesn’t make it bad. You can use coconut sugar in all kinds of dishes from baking to cooking.

MAPLE SYRUP

Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that is commonly consumed. Besides being amazingly delicious and all-natural, pure maple syrup is packed with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium, manganese, and iron, which makes it a great natural sweetener. It has fewer calories than sugar (260 calories per 100 grams). Studies also show that maple syrup also fight against cancer, slow aging, beat bloat, and boost the immune system and also improve cardio-vascular health. If you need to lose weight, it is advised to consume maple sugar in moderation. You can add maple syrup in sauces, tea, coffee and while baking cookies and cakes.

DATES

Date sugar can be a great unprocessed natural sweetener, which is made from dried & ground dates. Dates are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins, so using date as a sweetener to your recipes can add more nutritional value to your diet than simply using regular sugar. Dates are also rich in calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Which makes them best for  fighting constipation  and  improve digestion  as well as  contribute to heart health. You can mix them into homemade smoothies, puddings, ice creams, and other desserts or simply add them on your favourite dessert.

AGAVE NECTAR

Agave is a Mexican plant whose nectar or sap is harvested, filtered and then concentrated into a thick syrup. As it is a natural sweetener it provides more nutrients than regular sugar but fewer than honey. Agave syrup is packed with tons of vitamins and minerals, and doesn’t spark blood sugar level after eating it. Agave syrup also has high levels of antioxidants, mainly saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids, which makes it healthy for you to consume. However agave nectar is composed mostly of fructose. Which can overload the liver. High consumption of fructose isn’t healthy and can lead to many chronic diseases and high levels of triglycerides. It is very flavorful, so you may not need to use as much.

No doubt, these natural substitutes for sugar can help reduce your refined sugar consumption.  However there is no perfect sweetener. You should consume these natural sweetener in moderation as anything in excess quantities is considered bad for health. If you are new to our blog and like our Information please subscribe us and follow us and you will be notified everytime when we post something new.

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