Using sugar in high quantities can increase your chances of obesity and getting various ailments and diseases. But that does not mean that you cannot consume any sweeteners. You need to understand various facts about what you are eating.
There is no doubt that refined sugar such as pastries and muffins contain a good number of calories which can be harmful to the body. However, giving up on all the sweet things that you eat can seem like a big sacrifice for you.
The good thing is that you can add balance to your life and bring small basic improvements to your diet. Natural sweeteners with low calories have become increasingly popular as they are a healthy option as compared to artificial sweeteners.
Though all sweeteners can affect the blood sugar level and can lead to weight gain, the natural sweeteners can add extra health benefits to your body, like adding vitamins and minerals.
Instead of using artificial sweeteners, you can add natural sweeteners in your everyday cooking and baking as an alternative to processed stuff.
High blood sugar levels caused by consuming sucrose on a daily basis can lead to hyperglycemia and diabetes. When compared to sugar, the majority of natural sweeteners absorb the body slowly and do not increase blood sugar levels instantly. Therefore, natural sweeteners have a low glycemic index. have a lower glycemic index. It keeps blood sugar levels in check and is a better sugar alternative that diabetics may utilize.
What is the Need for Natural Sweeteners?
There are so many reasons why you should use natural sweeteners rather than using sucrose. Consuming a high amount of added sugar can result in an increase in blood sugar level because it absorbs the body quickly.
Due to this quick absorption, the blood glucose level goes high, which can make it challenging for the body to metabolize the glucose in the body. On the other hand, natural sweeteners do not increase the blood sugar level-so quickly. Therefore, using natural sweeteners instead of artificial sweeteners is good for the body.
Some of the primary natural sweeteners that you can add to your diet include
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Honey
This amazing golden liquid is a remarkable product that is both delicious and an amazing way of adding sweetness to your life.
There are chances that you might purchase honey from the market that contains some added sweeteners. However, you can purchase raw honey also. The honey extracted from beehives contains a rich amount of antioxidants. It also contains vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium.
It also imparts antifungal and antibacterial properties that encourage the growth of healthy gut flora.
Honey has innumerable health benefits. It is good for your immune system, and the antioxidants present in honey are very good for your health, and they also reduce certain risks related to cancer. The lighter the color of honey, the more likely it is to be refined.
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Sativa
Stevia is a South American sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia plant. The sweet component in plant is called stevia glycoside. This compound is 100 times sweeter than sugar.
One of the reasons why Sativa is among the preferable options is because the body does not metabolize these glycosides, making it a zero-calorie natural sweetener.
It is also a good choice for people who want to keep their glycemic index low.
You can purchase stevia in powdered and liquid form. Powdered stevia ranges in grade from pure to highly refined. Low-treatment stevia is green or brown, but high-treatment stevia is white and offered as a sugar substitute in baking. To sweeten the drink, simply add a few drops of liquid, and the powdery form can be used in baking.
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Maple Syrup
Though the maple syrups available in the market contain added sweeteners, the pure maple syrup does not contain additional sweeteners, and it is a fantastic way of boosting your health. Organic maple syrup also contains vitamins and minerals like zinc. And it is a great way of maintaining your need for sweeteners while enjoying the additional benefits of antioxidants in the bottle.
Some studies say that maple syrup contains phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on the health of people with diabetes.
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Coconut Sugar
It is another natural sweetener with low calories. Coconut sugar contains various nutritional components such as fatty acids, zinc, and potassium. All of these sweeteners are extracted from the blossoms present in coconut palms.
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Date Sugar
There are many reasons why this syrup has become the ultimate solution for people conscious about their diets and those who want to have artificial sweetener-free sugar.
Date palms are high in fiber and naturally sweet. They can be blended into a paste or dried to add sweetness to cuisine. Like any other source of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), natural sugar is present in fruits. However, it is still preferable not to consume it too much.
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Fruit Juice
The majority of the people that fill up their fridges and refrigerator sections with packed fruits juices are usually full of sugar. However, 100% natural fruit juice does not contain any added sugar, and it is the best option for people who want to have some sweetness in their life without affecting their health. It is a much healthier option as compared to traditional sweeteners.
According to some studies, cactus pear fruits also have sweetening properties, and they can be a new source of natural sweetener as it imparts glucose-like sweetness.
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Yacon Syrup
The manufacturing process of yacon syrup is quite similar to that of maple syrup. It has a higher content of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a form of soluble fiber that is good for gut support.
Because it contains 1/3 of the calories as compared to white sugar, it is considered a zero-glycemic food. You can add yacon syrup into beverages and also use it as a substitute in baking.
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