From cookies to doughnuts to drinks and ice-creams, sugar is present in almost all processed food. But, consuming an enormous amount of it, on a daily basis, causes several illnesses like obesity, diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. But the good part is – now you can switch to natural sugar replacements that may help maintain a healthier lifestyle along with keeping you fit for years. Here are 5 substitutes for white sugar to please your sweet tooth the next time you get a craving.
1. COCONUT SUGAROne type of naturally occurring unrefined sugar alternative is coconut sugar. It is made from the coconut palm tree’s blossom buds and contains iron, fibre, zinc, calcium, and potassium among other nutrients. The sugar features antioxidants as well as a faint caramel flavour. It has inulin, a type of soluble fibre that promotes satiety, slows digestion, and feeds good bacteria in your stomach.
2. STEVIAStevia, a natural sweetener, is around 200 times sweeter than sugar; hence less amount is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness as compared to sugar. It is said to help decrease blood pressure and blood sugar levels. A calorie-free sweetener, it is believed to be a healthy choice for diabetic patients or for losing weight.
3. HONEYHoney, one of the healthiest natural sugar alternatives, is easier to digest and contains vitamins and minerals. It is rich in healthy antioxidants. Honey is unheated, unprocessed, and unpasteurized in its purest form. It can be used in salad dressings, dips, marinades, and smoothies.
4. MAPLE SYRUPCooked from the sap of maple trees, maple syrup is a sweet liquid, rich in calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and manganese. The syrup includes 24 distinct kinds of antioxidants. If you want to reduce your intake of fructose, maple syrup is one of the best sugar alternatives. It goes well with pancakes, oatmeal, baked goods, as well as when preparing your own granola or muesli.’
5. DATE SUGARDue to its high mineral, vitamin, calcium, iron, and magnesium content, dates can be a highly nutrient-dense addition to your diet when used as a natural sweetener. It is made from dried dates. One of the greatest natural sugar replacements, they have a low glycemic index, which indicates that, unlike processed sugars, they don’t cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels after ingestion.
