If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake or can’t have sugar at all, there are plenty of options out there for you to try. Reducing your sugar intake in your diet can be so beneficial in terms of improving your overall health and mood levels.
In this article, we will give you healthy sugar alternatives you definitely need to try. Because why suffer from low energy, headaches, and mood swings when you don’t have to? Read on to find out more.
1. Stevia
What is stevia? Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener that’s extracted from the stevia plant leaf. The taste is pleasantly sweet with little to no aftertaste. Stevia can easily substitute for sugar in most scenarios, especially baking.
This means you don’t have to miss out on sweet treats or home baking, simply use Stevia instead of sugar. It’s also gluten-free, kosher, and suitable for those that have celiac disease.
2. Honey
Honey is a great healthy alternative to sugar which also has anti-oxidant properties and is easy to break down and digest in the body. It’s suitable for most diets, except vegans. It can be high in calories however so make sure to take that into account when using it in dishes.
Honey can be delicious on porridge oats, in cakes, smoothies, and as a tea sweetener.
3. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is extracted from the sap of maple trees and is another natural alternative to sugar. It is also high in calories however so must be used in moderation.
People often assume it’s just for having on pancakes but it’s a very versatile substance and can be used in baking, marinades, salads, and porridge.
4. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a good option for those that have diabetes as it doesn’t spike the blood sugar levels like regular sugar. It is unrefined, meaning that it has vitamins and minerals that regular sugar doesn’t have.
It still has the high-calorie content of sugar however so it needs to be used sparingly if you are wanting to reduce calories or lose weight.
5. Date Paste
Date paste is an excellent alternative for baking, smoothies, sauces, and marinades. It also has the added benefit of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of the dates meaning it has the nutritious value than sugar doesn’t.
It tends to be a more intense and sweeter flavor than sugar which means you should adjust and reduce your measurements if you are using it in a recipe.
6. Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that’s extracted from several species of agave plants. It is very sweet in flavor, meaning you would need to use less than normal sugar.
Agave syrup is high in calories and fructose so you shouldn’t consume high amounts of it if you want to lose weight or have diabetes.
Choosing Healthy Sugar Alternatives: What Next?
We hope this article on the 6 best healthy sugar alternatives has given you some ideas on how to substitute the amount of sugar in your lifestyle.
A dependency on sugar or an excess of it in your diet can lead to significant health implications. Make sure to eat a varied and balanced diet that isn’t high in sugars and fructose.
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