White sugar is one of the most common pantry items that has been used for generations. From peanut butter to chewing gum, canned fruits to baked cookies, over 80% of packaged food items contain added sugar. However, research is piling up to show that refined white sugar is harmful to our health. It is a highly addictive ingredient that has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart and liver diseases, and more.
So, what is the solution? How to cut down your sugar intake? Well, there are several healthy natural sweeteners that can turn out to be the best sugar substitutes. In this guide, we will list down the healthy sugar substitutes that are worth considering in your diet.
What are healthy natural sweeteners?
Honey: Honey is a natural product with low GI value than sugar. It means it won’t raise the blood sugar level as quickly as sugar. Moreover, it is sweeter than sugar. Hence, you may need less of it. Apart from this, it has been found that honey contains essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. In addition, honey is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Organic coconut sugar: Since coconut sugar is derived from the sap of the coconut palm tree, it is another best organic sweetener. It contains iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for regulating your body’s water content. Moreover, like honey, coconut sugar has a low GI level, much closer to the GI of natural fruits. Apart from this, it is rich in antioxidants, which help fight the signs of aging.
Organic coconut nectar: Coconut nectar is a deliciously caramel-coloured sweet stuff that tastes wonderful. It is minimally processed. So, it retains the natural goodness of trees. It is rich in iron, zinc, and 17 different amino acids and antioxidants. You may also find traces of vitamin C and B, making it one of the best healthy natural sweeteners. You need to eat 17 times as much honey and 282 times as much white sugar to get the same number of micronutrients you find in coconut nectar.
Dates: Dates are rich in various nutrients, including magnesium and potassium. They are also a good source of carbohydrates, fibre, and antioxidants. Since the average GI of dates is 43, they won’t cause dramatic blood sugar spikes. It is classified as a low GI food and the best alternative to sugar. It is safe for diabetic patients. Moreover, they are high in fibre and polyphenols, which help stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation in the body.
The Bottom Line
There are several sugar substitutes that are often considered healthier than white sugar. However, those that are high in fructose and chemically extracted may not offer you the health benefits as naturally extracted sweeteners. So, when you opt for healthy natural sweeteners, make sure they are naturally extracted.
If you are wondering where to buy bulk organic coconut sugar or bulk coconut nectar, you can rely on Tea Depot. For more information, explore the website here: https://teadepot.com.au/collections/sweeteners.
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