The average American consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day.
Sugar has many adverse health effects such as causing weight gain and increasing the risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Perhaps you want to cut sugar out of your diet but you’re unfamiliar with the alternatives.
If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the healthiest alternative to sugar from the most to the least.
Table of Contents
1 .Palmyra Blossom Nectar
“What is the healthiest alternative to sugar?” You ask.
Palmyra blossom nectar dates back to Ancient India where Ayurvedic practitioners considered it the “sugar for diabetics” as it supports insulin functions and is low in fructose.
Further, it’s packed with B-complex vitamins, iron, and magnesium which improves your dietary intake. Plus, this healthy alternative replaces the artificial energy spike we associate with sugar-highs. Instead, you enjoy an organic, high energy level.
2. Stevia
In the stevia vs sugar showdown, the former wins.
Stevia is a healthy alternative to sugar in coffee because it doesn’t have calories, carbs, or raise your blood sugar levels. It’s possible to get dried leaves and ground them or get it as a syrup or powder.
You can also whip up stevia-based meals. For instance, why not try a stevia apple pie, or if you’re after savory food, shrimp spring rolls with a dash of stevia?
3. Maple Syrup
Looking for healthy sweetener alternatives to sugar?
Then look no further than maple syrup. This is rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, potassium, and manganese. To reap the benefits, drizzle it over your oatmeal or yogurt and cook a maple-glazed chicken.
4. Date Sugar
A healthy alternative to sugar comes from dehydrated, ground dates. You’ll notice it has a slightly sweet, butterscotch-like flavor that’s more intense than brown sugar.
Not only is it packed with B vitamins but it’s high in potassium which helps regulates fluid balance and reduces blood pressure. Note that to get the full benefits of the nutrients, choose full dates instead of the granulated version.
5. Organic Coconut Sugar
Organic coconut sugar is a great healthy alternative to sugar as it’s low on the glycemic index and in fructose. This is because the coconut sugar is unrefined so it keeps the same amount of vitamins and minerals.
A bonus is that it has a subtle flavor so it works in a variety of dishes but make sure you grind it in a blender or food processor first so it becomes powdery. You can sneak it into your favorite brownies, oatmeal, or pancake recipes so you gain the health benefits.
That’s the Healthiest Alternative to Sugar
Now you know the healthiest alternative to sugar along with other options.
Ditch processed sugar and try other options like stevia, palmyra blossom nectar, and organic coconut sugar to improve your diet. Swapping out sugar means getting creative with recipes and trying something new. Enjoy!
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