Choose a Natural and Healthy Sugar Alternative
John Arthur
It’s almost impossible to live without sugar. That’s probably why so many people can’t stay away from it even if research studies and experts have proven that too much sugar can be harmful to the body. In particular there is the worldwide concern of sugar diabetes which affects millions of people everywhere, and some aren’t even aware of it. As many of us know too well, sugar diabetes is a serious illness. It can lead to other health complications including: heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, nerve damage, skin conditions and depression just to name a few. Although there is no actual cure for sugar diabetes, its progression can be slowed down with proper diet, including sugar substitutes and exercise. One of the ways to steer clear of unhealthy sugar but still enjoy its sweetness is by using natural, healthy sugar alternatives.
Stevia and Xylitol: The Healthiest Sugar Alternatives There have been several artificial sweeteners and sugar replacements out in the market, but not all of them are natural and healthy. Though some sugar alternatives slightly affect blood sugar levels, at least they offer some nutritional benefits because they are less processed than refined sugar. Below is a list of some options that can serve as sugar alternatives.
Stevia -
is an extract from the extremely sweet leaves of an herb, the stevia plant has no calories but is 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar has zero glycaemic index (GI) so no impact on blood sugar levels, therefore doesn’t cause health problems associated with sugar
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has low GI (7) promotes bone health and prevents tooth decay and plaque build-up can be used for baking and sweetening doesn't cause blood sugar imbalances or yeast overgrowth
Xylitol
Agave syrup - produced from the nectar of the blue agave plant - is sweeter than cane sugar - has low GI (15-30) - tastes like honey or vanilla - can be used in cooking and beverages Maple syrup - produced from the sap of maple trees - contains amino acids, proteins, calcium, potassium, and other antioxidants - has a high GI (54) but more nutritious than refined sugar - has strong and rich flavours - can be used like honey
Raw honey -
made by bees from the nectar of plants has antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients has low GI (30) but it is high-caloric and high-carbohydrate can be used like Agave nectar
Rice syrup - made from cooked and fermented rice - can be used in a range of dishes - has a strong flavour so it does not always taste well with baked goods Palm sugar - made from the sugary sap of the Palmyra palm, sugar date palm and coconut palm - has a low GI (35) and is rich in nutrients - looks, tastes, dissolves and melts like brown sugar but more natural and unrefined
Date sugar - made by grinding dates - is a whole food and high in fibre, vitamins and minerals - can be used for baking like ordinary sugar
Malt syrup - made from barley - has a low GI (42) - is widely used in the natural food industry
No need to suffer a life without sugar’s wonderfully sweet taste. Xlear Australia offers the best Naturally Sweet product choices by using the natural goodness and sweetness of the most natural and healthiest sugar alternatives, Stevia and Xylitol. Now, you can continue savouring the taste of sugar without the guilt.