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Our 6 best sugar alternatives
with a clear winner
Avoiding sugar is not so easy -
we show you the best alternatives!
Sugar is something that now accompanies us throughout our daily lives.
We can’t escape it, so to speak. Even if we try to avoid it, there are always situations where we do consume it. Sugar is also often an ingredient in many of the foods and beverages we buy. It can even be found in foods where we don’t expect it, like mustard or other savory items. We see, to banish it completely from our lives is almost impossible, respectively it would mean a lot of work and focus.
This makes it all the more important to avoid it where we can influence it. Now this doesn’t mean you can never taste sweet again, just have a look, How you use it and of course avoiding the classic sugar bombs like cookies, cakes, sweet drinks, and the like.
To take you by the hand a little, in the jungle of sweet sugar alternatives we have picked out the 6 best sugar alternatives and looked at what they can do and surprisingly, there is even a clear winner.
Natural sugar alternatives with benefits
But why is it such a big deal to make sure we don’t consume too much sugar? Sugar, especially classic refined sugar, is an empty food. It does not give any nutrients to our body. Its only function is to give us energy very quickly. And sure, there are moments or even diseases that are associated with low blood sugar. If you are one of these women, you should always have some glucose in your pocket.
But these are exceptions. Sugar is not only empty of nutrients, but it also deprives us of them. In order to handle sugar, our body has to become quite active. At the same time, it causes our blood sugar levels to skyrocket, which promotes many cardiovascular diseases, but can also lead to obesity and chronic inflammation. All points do not exactly promote longevity.
Staying young longer is closely related to low sugar consumption. Therefore, let’s see what we have for you and what are the best sugar alternatives for your everyday life.
1. honey
When the bees are flying around, we know it’s summer. But not only that, these little critters also produce one of the most popular natural sweeteners – honey!
Even though it is pure sugar, it contains active ingredients that are healthy for our body, because honey is a natural sweetener. It is rich in enzymes, antioxidants, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and niacin. Besides being rich in antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Honey also has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which means it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels quite as quickly.
All these properties help neutralize free radicals while promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and thus longevity. The darker the honey, the richer its flavor and the greater its nutritional benefits.
Despite its wonderful properties, however, it too should be enjoyed quite consciously and seen more as a natural medicine rather than a sugar alternative.
Better to reach for the natural alternative
2. maple syrup
Maple syrup is also a natural sweetener obtained from the sap of maple trees. It is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, and manganese. Like honey, it contains antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than sugar.
It is not only suitable for sweetening dishes but also goes well with a variety of savory dishes due to its slightly tart flavor.
It has a unique flavor that can enhance many dishes and drinks, and we all know it as a topping for beloved pancakes. But it should remain exactly with these exceptions and small quantities.
Image by: Polina Tankilevitch
3. dates
Dates are the number one sweet in many countries and are used in a variety of ways to sweeten dishes. They are extremely rich in fiber and nutrients such as potassium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Dates have a sweet and chewy texture, making them perfect for bars and Bliss Balls. Being a natural food, they are easily digestible and support
the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It was found that dates can also help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing cardiovascular disease.
4. coconut blossom sugar
Coconut blossom sugar is obtained from the sap of the coconut palm. The nice thing is that it is an organic and unrefined sweetener, so it also contains vitamins and minerals, but is very close to our refined sugar.
Coconut blossom sugar has a caramel-like taste and is therefore very popular as an alternative to the classic refined sugar because, unlike the others, it is also available in powder form, which is why it is also popular for baking.
The danger here is just to use a lot of it again, instead of just a small amount now and then.
Sweet things with healthy sugar alternatives
5. stevia
Stevia has long been one of the most popular sugar alternatives and is obtained from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is much sweeter than sugar, so you only need a small amount of it.
What also makes stevia so popular is that it contains no calories and none of the negative effects of sugar.
Stevia has been shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and can also be a good choice for people with high blood pressure as it does not cause blood sugar levels to spike.
6. birch sugar (Our winner !!!)
Birch sugar is definitely one of our best sugar alternatives. Although in our country it is not yet so well known, unlike in Scandinavian countries, where it is deeply rooted in tradition.
Birch sugar is also known as xylitol and is a natural sweetener and is obtained, as the name suggests, from the birch tree.
It is slightly sweeter than classic refined sugar but has fewer calories and a lower glycemic index. But birch sugar has another advantage, which is why it is also found in toothpaste. It reduces the risk of tooth decay by balancing the oral flora and creating an alkaline environment.
If you have pets, however, you should keep it out of their reach because xylitol can be toxic to dogs and some other animals.
You should also pay attention to the amount, large amounts of xylitol can cause digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. But until that happens, you have to eat quite a lot at once.
Conclusion
Giving up sugar is definitely not easy, but there are healthier natural sugar alternatives. Honey, maple syrup, dates, and coconut blossom sugar are all excellent options, but stevia and especially birch sugar are the clear winners when it comes to longevity and a younger you.
Regular sugar consumption does more harm to health than good. No one wants to suffer the consequences of obesity, diabetes, or heart problems, especially when sugar consumption is a contributing factor to these diseases. If you manage to incorporate natural sugar alternatives so that you don’t have to give up sweetening completely, you’ll quickly notice the difference and so will your body.