6 Natural and healthy sugar substitutes you must try

Many individuals find sugary food and beverages irresistible, even if they don’t have a sweet tooth. Sugar is present in variable quantities in most of your food from soda, sweetened drinks to processed food items. Thus, many of us consume way too much sugar without even knowing. 

However, refined or white sugar is one of the most debatable ingredients in our diet. Clearly, high sugar intake has been related to increased risk of many serious diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver.

Wondering, what are healthy sugar substitutes?

Thankfully, there are many natural sweetening agents that are healthier than white sugar.

So, here is a list of the best natural sugar substitutes that you must try.

Also read- 10 food habits you must cultivate for a healthy lifestyle

1. Stevia

Stevia is a natural plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. It is also referred to as meethi tulsi by Indian cultivators. It contains zero calories and has no proven ill effects on health. Furthermore, it known to lower blood sugar, blood pressure levels. Along with this, it also possesses antioxidant properties. Thus, making it one of the best natural sugar substitutes for diabetics.

2. Jaggery

Jaggery is a traditional Indian sweetener, found in almost every Indian household. It is commonly prepared from sugarcane or date palm. Interestingly, jaggery is the best tasting sugar substitute that you can add to your food and beverages. 

Jaggery is prepared without the use of chemicals. Therefore, it holds many vital vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Besides, it has various health benefits such as improved digestion and enhanced metabolism. Moreover, it is also used for treating problems such as dry cough, cold, and asthma. Furthermore, It increases hemoglobin levels in anemic people and also improves immunity.

Although, the calorific value of jaggery and white sugar is the same. Yet, jaggery is one of the healthy sugar substitutes due to its nutritional value when taken in moderation. 

Also read- The Art of Mindful eating: What is it and Why we need it?

3. Monk fruit sweetener

Monk fruit, also known as Buddha fruit, is small, round fruit grown in Southeast Asia. The sweetener is extracted from the juice of Monk fruit. Interestingly, it has a high content of a unique antioxidant called mogrosides, which is responsible for the sweetness. In fact, it possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Monk fruit sweetener is 100–250 times sweeter than sugar and contains zero calories. Thus, it is one of the best and healthy sugar alternatives that you can find. You can use it to sweeten your daily tea or coffee without any guilt. 

4. Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar, or coconut palm sugar, is extracted from the sap of the coconut palm tree. Therefore, it is an all-natural plant-based sweetener. Coconut sugar contains many nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. Additionally, it also contains inulin (soluble fiber), which is linked to a lower risk of blood sugar rise. Besides, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index (GI) than regular sugar. 

However, coconut sugar is still very high in calories and if you are looking for weight loss, you must avoid it. 

Also read- Healthy lifestyle: A choice or necessity?

5. Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener produced by Honey bees. It is loaded with antioxidants and also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Raw unprocessed honey is even better as the pasteurization process leads to the loss of many of its health benefits. 

Despite all the health benefits of honey, it is still high in calories and when taken in excess may cause weight gain and spike blood sugar levels. 

6. Yacon Syrup

Yacon syrup is a plant-based natural sweetener extracted from the root of the Yacon plant, which is native to South America. It is loaded with antioxidants and potassium. Furthermore, it is known to lower blood sugar levels and is also good for gut health. Moreover, it also improves digestion.   

Overall, yacon syrup contains one-third of the calories of refined sugar. This makes it a very popular healthy sugar substitute for weight loss. 

Finally, these were some best healthy sugar substitutes, hope you find the article helpful.

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