According to experts, refined white sugar isn't just bad for our teeth. It creates inflammation in the body and has no nutritional value for the organism. The industrial processing process removes all useful nutrients. What remains only provides empty calories and a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Synthetic sugar substitutes have been offered on the market as an alternative for many years, but they appear to be even worse than industrial sugar. Why synthetic and harmful when it can also be natural and healthy? There are numerous variants of a healthy sugar alternative that can completely replace the white poison. In this way, instead of empty and unhealthy calories, you can absorb healthy active ingredients and thus reduce the risk of diseases that are associated with industrial sugar.
Healthy sugar alternative: Natural alternatives for sweetening coffee, cakes and dishes
Natural sugars not only contain sweetness, but also nutrients that are good for the body. For example vitamins, trace elements or fiber. This means that the sweetness doesn't come in empty calories that cause blood sugar to spike, but rather provides useful nutrients at the same time. Of course, some of these substances have calories, others don't.
Healthy sugar alternative: Raw, unprocessed natural honey
The number one healthy sweetener is honey. It is a true superfood, is not only considered a sweetener, but has always been traditionally used as medicine due to its valuable components. You should make sure to choose a natural, organic product, as the active ingredients are only fully contained in pure, clean products and are lost in the industrial processing process. It provides enzymes, antioxidants, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, riboflavin and niacin.Honey neutralizesfree radicals and supports the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition, a tablespoon of honey has a lower glycemic index value than a banana. The darker the honey, the more intense the taste and the richer in nutrients it is. One tablespoon of honey has 64 calories.
How you should use honey
Do not use honey for cooking or baking as the heat causes the valuable nutrients to be lost. Put it in insteadyour yogurt, on your cereals, on bread or in cakes or dishes that do not require any heat for production. It is wonderful for sweetening your tea and coffee. Again, make sure to only add the honey when the drink has already dropped to drinking temperature.
Stevia, the natural zero-calorie variant
Stevia is a plant species from South America that is related to the native sunflower. In its region of origin, the plant has been used for centuries to balance blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Stevia is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is available commercially in liquid form, tablet form or powder. You need a very small amount. Take a close look at the products before buying, as some manufacturers add erythritol, which can cause indigestion. If you notice a metallic taste, look for a brand that is higher in steviol. For diabetics, stevia is recommended as a sugar substitute by the American Diabetes Association. Stevia has 0 calories.
How to use stevia
Unlike honey, stevia is heat-resistant and you can use it for cooking and baking. However, remember that the sweetness is hundreds of times more intense than sugar and use a significantly smaller amount. You can compensate for the lack of volume when baking as follows. Add 75 ml to 100 ml fresh fruit puree, yogurt, applesauce, 2 whipped egg whites or 2 tablespoons coconut flour.
Healthy sugar alternative: dates instead of sugar
Dates contain potassium, copper, iron, manganese and vitamin B6. They are easy to digest and help metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Evidence exists that dates help lower the bad LDL cholesterol in the body, thereby helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. One Medjool date has 66 calories.
How to use dates as a sugar substitute
First you have to puree the dates and then you can replace them 1 to 1 with sugar when cooking and baking. To do this, let's do itthe datesSoften in warm water and place in the blender along with a tablespoon of the water in which you soaked them. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency. You can add more water if necessary.
Coconut blossom sugar, practical and healthy
Coconut blossom sugar has a low glycemic value and is rich in minerals. In addition, it comes in a similar consistency and form to the sugar that we have become so familiar with. The sweet sugar is made from the juice of coconut flowers. It is rich in polyphenols, iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, antioxidants and other plant nutrients. One tablespoon of coconut blossom sugar has 45 calories.
Using coconut blossom sugar
This natural sugar variant can be exchanged 1 to 1 with conventional sugar. You can use it for baking or to sweeten drinks and dishes.
