5 natural substitutes for sugar

Added sugar is probably the single worst ingredient in the modern diet. It has been associated with many serious diseases, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Fortunately, there are many ways to sweeten foods without adding sugar. But first, let’s figure out why sugar is so bad for you.

For starters, there is simply nothing good about sugar. It contains no protein, essential fats, vitamins or minerals. There is no need for it in the diet. There is a long list of reasons why you should avoid it. Sugar interferes with hormones in your body that regulate hunger and satiety. This can lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain. It also harms your metabolism, which can lead to increased insulin and fat storage. Many studies have found a secure link between sugar and obesity.

What’s more, sugar is addictive. It causes dopamine to be released in the reward centre of the brain, which is the same response activated by addictive drugs. It leads to cravings and can drive overeating.

In short, sugar is incredibly unhealthy and should be avoided. Instead, consider the following five alternatives.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener that’s extracted from the leaves of a South American shrub known scientifically as Stevia rebaudiana. It contains zero calories and has no known links to weight gain. It has also been shown to lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which may help fight diabetes.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup is a thick, sugary liquid that’s made by cooking down the sap of maple trees. It contains a decent amount of minerals, including calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and manganese. It also includes at least 24 different types of antioxidants. While maple syrup contains some beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, it’s very high in sugar. It has a slightly lower glycemic index than regular sugar, so it may not raise blood sugar levels as quickly, but it will still raise them.

Yacon Syrup

Yacon syrup contains 40–50% fructooligosaccharides, which are a particular type of sugar molecule that the human body cannot digest. Because these sugar molecules are not absorbed, yacon syrup contains one-third of the calories of regular sugar or about 1.3 calories per gram.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is extracted from the sap of the coconut palm. It contains a few nutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium and potassium, as well as antioxidants. It also has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which may be partly due to its inulin content. Inulin is a type of fibre that has been shown to slow glucose absorption. Nevertheless, coconut sugar is still very high in calories, containing the same number of calories per serving as regular sugar.

Honey

Honey contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as an abundance of beneficial antioxidants. Eating honey may help raise the levels of antioxidants in your blood. High levels of antioxidants in the blood are linked to a lower risk of disease.

Exploring the vibrant world of culinary delights, Gastronomy.space offers readers a journey into flavors, techniques, and the stories behind every dish.