Although small amounts of sugar are not harmful, including too much sugar in your diet can cause negative side effects. When possible, we recommend using these healthy sugar alternatives to spruce up any drink or dessert.
Honey
Honey is packed with antioxidants and nutrition! Honey has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar and is sweeter than sugar which means you’ll need to use less! Honey is a great sweetener in oatmeal, acai bowls, yogurt, and fruit.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup also has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, and contains essential minerals. Because of its bold( almost smoky) flavor, maple syrup is delicious to sweeten homemade whipped cream, smoked meats, and brussel sprouts.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, honey, and maple syrup and is considered a “low glycemic” food. Coconut sugar is a great sweetener in baked goods, Asian dishes, and coffee.
Stevia
Stevia is a plant-based extract that has been used as a sweetener
for hundreds of years. It contains zero calories and therefore has no glycemic index (meaning it will not cause your blood sugar to rise). Stevia is in no way artificial. In fact, you can plant your own stevia garden and use the plant as an “herb” to sweeten your dishes. Tip: Finely chopped stevia leaves make an excellent addition to spaghetti sauces! Stevia can also be purchased at the store in liquid or powder form and can be used to sweeten beverages naturally.
Conclusion
When consuming sugar or sugar alternatives, moderation is key. There is no “miracle” food. True health comes from a balanced diet, a healthy gut, good digestion, and regular exercise.