If there’s one thing that has become crystal clear during this last decade is how bad refined sugar really is for our health. This is bad news for those who have a strong sweet tooth.
However, the end of the world might not be here just yet. We bring you these healthier alternatives to table sugar you will be able to enjoy without a guilty conscience, so you don’t have to wave your sweet coffee goodbye.
Coconut sugar
Besides coconut water and our sacred coconut oil, coconuts also provide for an excellent alternative to white sugar. Coconut sugar is much more nutritious than refined sugar (which is not too hard, given white sugar isn’t nutritious at all).
Though it might be a tad more expensive than regular sugar, it is definitely worth the money. Although coconut sugar holds the same caloric content as regular sugar, it does have trace amounts of iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, short-chain fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants.
It also contains a certain fiber called inulin which can slow glucose absorption. All in all, coconut sugar is a great substitute for table sugar, but remember, nothing is good in excess!
Dates
Dates are a great option to substitute sugar with. As they are fruits, they are packed with all sorts of nutritious vitamins and minerals. They are a great source of antioxidants, and are even good for blood sugar balance. Plus, they are proven to promote brain health. Dates are a great way of healthily sweetening meals. Try it out!
Honey
Honey can be a healthy substitute for table sugar, as long as it’s of quality. It contains nutrients and antioxidants that help lower blood sugar. It can also (surprisingly) improve cholesterol.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that, as it is so sweet, not much is needed to sweeten up a meal, which is a great plus! You will want to make sure you go for raw honey, instead of low quality supermarket honey.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is an amazing choice if you like the taste of maple and want to add some flavour to your food. It contains various antioxidants, and has a low score on the Glycemic Index. It also holds important minerals and vitamins. Keep in mind it should be real maple syrup, not just syrup that’s flavoured like it, as this will be loaded with refined sugar.
Stevia
The reason why many people opt for stevia as a sweetener is because it has no calories whatsoever. Plus, it is much sweeter than regular sugar, which means you will need less of it to sweeten your meal.
Also, amongst the health benefits stevia has you can find diabetes management, which is great news for people suffering from this condition! It’s also proven to lower cholesterol and prevent cancer.
Although all of these options are healthier than refined sugar, it is worth noting that none should be consumed in excess. Moderation is key.
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