Best Sugar Substitutes

You may be consuming more sugar than you realize, because it is added to foods that you may not think of as being sweet. That is one of the reasons it is best for you to make your own food rather than buy packaged foods. Harvard University estimates that the average American consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day. That adds up to 270 calories. The type of sugar hidden in processed foods has no nutritional value for you. Here are some of the best sugar substitutes.

Honey

Raw honey is considered to be medicinal by many ancient tradtions, such as Ayurveda. In those traditions, it is considered the only appropriate sweetener for those trying to loose weight because it warms the body. A common recommendation, is to start the day with a small amount of raw honey in a cup of warm water first thing in the morning to stimulate a strong metabolism. Using honey above a warm temperature, changes it's chemical structure, and is considered unhealthy. Consuming raw local honey is also a way to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.

Fresh or Frozen Fruit

You can add fresh or frozen fruit to your food and drinks to add sweetness. Not only will you increase your intake of fresh whole foods, you'll get the full spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals contained in the fruit. You can add berries or banana to your plain oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie, for sweetness. You can also add fresh fruits to plain water to give it some flavor so that you can stay hydrated. Using date paste or applesauce, is a common way to add sweetness to baked goods. By substituting fruit for processed sugar, you may even notice that any cravings you may have had for regular sugar, may decrease or go away.

Stevia

Stevia is a plant that is native to South America. It has been used as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years. It has zero calories and zero carbohydrates, so is excellent for keeping blood sugar levels balanced and for loosing weight. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar, so you only need to use a tiny bit. Some people experience a slight metallic after taste when using stevia. You can try adding a little fresh lemon juice to see if that helps reduce the after taste. It is safe to cook with stevia and add it to hot liquids.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a great sugar substitute because it has a low glycemic index and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in antioxidants and fiber, and contains healthy fats that may be beneficial for your cardiovascular system. It is made from the sap of coconut blooms. The sap is heated and then evaporated. You can use coconut sugar 1:1 for regular sugar. Depending on how you use it, you may want to make it finer by giving it a whirl in a blender or food processor.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup comes from the sap of the sugar maple tree. It is rich in manganese and contains other vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants in it can help reduce inflammation in your body. Maple syrup can also be used on the skin in a similar way that honey is used topically as a skin remedy. You can apply it by itself to reduce redness and dryness. Or mix it with other ingredients to make a facial mask. While it is healthier for you than regular processed sugar, it still contains a lot of sugar, is rich in calories, and is not a low glycemic food. So use it sparingly and you will get the benefits of the nutrients in the maple syrup and avoid the downsides.

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