You have a sweet tooth? Of course we all have!
Refined sugar is considered to be as addictive as a drug, and potentially as detrimental to your health. There are many calorie free chemical “artificial sweeteners available in the market, many people turn to these artificial sweeteners thinking they will help them lose weight without sacrificing taste, but what they don't know is they are even more unhealthy than just plain sugar.
When looking for natural sweeteners, it’s wise to use sweeteners that are naturally derived, minimally processed, not contaminated, and contain some nutrients and antioxidants.
Let’s take a look at the top healthy all-natural sugar substitutes.
Pure Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup, contains only evaporated maple tree sap. It is high in manganese and zinc. Manganese is necessary for several enzymes that are needed for energy production and antioxidant defenses. Zinc is essential for optimal immune system function. Deficiencies of either may lower white blood cell counts and reduce immune system responses.
Raw Honey
Raw honey has so many wonderful health benefits. It’s a natural antibacterial, boosts the immune system, promotes digestive health, and is high in antioxidants. It also stabilizes blood pressure and helps balance blood sugar levels.
Stevia
A herb native to South America, stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar. It has been used as a sweetener for centuries in South America, and in Japan. Stevia has no calories and no glycemic impact making it suitable for diabetics as well as weight watchers and eco warriors.
Coconut Sugar
Sap from the coconut palm is heated to evaporate its water content and reduce it to usable granules to make coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is nutritious and has a low score on the glycemic index. It tastes similar to brown sugar but is slightly richer. You can substitute coconut sugar for traditional sugar pretty much wherever you use the latter.
Date Sugar
Date sugar is essentially just dried dates pulverized into a powder. It is very sweet, which should come as no surprise if you’ve ever eaten a date before. Since it does not melt, date sugar cannot be used as a direct substitute for sugar. However, it is great for baking.
Molasses
Molasses is what’s left over during the process of refining of sugar cane into white sugar. Molasses is perhaps the most nutrient rich of all sweeteners, providing a significant amount of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6.
Enjoy indulging your sweet tooth with these healthy all-natural sugar substitutes!