Sugar can cause health problems ranging from obesity to tooth decay. Some politicians are even calling for an excise tax on sugar, similar to taxes on alcohol and tobacco. Today, sugar consumption in the UK is half a kilo per person per week. And in the US, a person eats 22 teaspoons of sugar every day – twice the recommended amount.
Stevia
This plant is native to South America and is 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has been used as a sweetener for centuries. In Japan, it accounts for 41% of the sugar substitute market. Before Coca-Cola used it, stevia was added to Diet Coke in Japan. This herb was recently banned by the US Food and Drug Administration under the brand name “sweetener” but has risen to second place in popularity under the term “dietary supplement.” Stevia is calorie-free and has no effect on blood sugar levels, making it essential for diabetics, weight watchers and eco-fighters. Stevia can be grown at home, but it is difficult to make a granular product from the herb yourself.
2. Coconut Sugar
Coconut palm sap is heated to evaporate water and produce granules. Coconut sugar is nutritious and does not affect the glycemic index, which means it is completely safe. It tastes like brown sugar, but with a richer flavor. Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for traditional sugar in all dishes. After the juice is taken from the palm tree, it can produce more sugar per hectare than cane for another 20 years, without harming the soil.
3. Raw honey
Natural honey is used by many peoples as a remedy for diseases – for healing wounds, ulcers, treating the digestive tract and even seasonal allergies. Studies have shown that such honey has antibiotic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Honey can be used topically on cuts and scrapes to avoid infection.
Rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, carbohydrates and phytonutrients, honey is considered a superfood for alternative medicine practitioners. But you need to choose honey wisely. There is nothing useful in the processed product.
4. Molasses
It is a by-product of the sugar production process. Although the production of sugar from sugar cane has a negative impact on the environment, it is wasteful not to use all the products of this process. Many nutrients remain in the molasses. It is a good source of iron and calcium. This is a fairly dense and viscous product and is best used in baking. Molasses is sweeter than sugar, so you need to use less of it.
5. Artichoke syrup
Artichoke syrup is rich in inulin, a fiber that nourishes the friendly intestinal flora. It has a very sweet taste and a low glycemic index. Research shows that artichoke syrup contains insulin, which improves digestive health and calcium absorption.
6. Lucuma Powder
It has a sweet, aromatic, subtle maple flavor that allows you to eat desserts without raising your blood sugar levels. Lucuma is an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The high concentration of beta-carotene makes this product a good immune system stimulant, it is also rich in iron and vitamins B1 and B2. It is a healthy alternative to sugar for diabetics and breastfeeding women.
All sweeteners should be used in moderation. Any of them, if abused, can damage the liver and turn into fat. Syrups – maple and agave – have their positives, but there are better options for maintaining health. Natural sugar substitutes do not give a red light to the sweet tooth, but they are better than traditional sugar. So use this information as a guide to avoiding unpleasant, toxic sugars rather than overeating sugar.