It’s an addictive ingredient that can lead to an array of chronic and fatal diseases. From type 2 diabetes to serious heart issues, sugar can act like a slow poison if not regulated.
Sugar substitutes are a healthy alternative for people suffering from diabetes, trying to cut down on their sugar consumption, or just following a low-carb recipe. Cutting out this harmful ingredient from your diet can work wonders for your body, like reactivate and boost your immune system, reduce stress, slow down ageing, as well as help you lose weight.
The notion that sugar substitutes have to be these expensive and high-end products is a capitalistic rumour. Let’s take a look at a varied range of 6 sugar substitute that you can use at home:
Maple Sugar
When you hear the word maple, we’re sure Canada or a stack of pancakes topped with maple syrup comes to mind. This enticing sugar is one of the perfect sugar substitutes. Made from the xylem sap of the maple trees, it’s a naturally occurring sweetener that tastes absolutely divine. Other than that, they also carry loads of vitamins and minerals, and is low in calories as compared to refined sugar.
Coconut Sugar
We’ve heard of a billion health benefits of coconuts, but it doesn’t end there. Coconuts also provide us with the sugar substitute that will solve all your problems. Made from the sap of the coconut palm’s flower bud stem, this natural sugar is super low in calories and carries most of the benefits that coconuts do. It’s unprocessed and has some amount of nutrients, which makes it a great sugar substitute.
Erythritol
This is a sugar alcohol that tastes just like sugar but contains zero calories. It doesn’t cause any spikes in blood sugar levels and helps prevent tooth decay, but a moderation level should be set for it to not harm you. This easily available sugar alcohol is the ideal substitute for anyone and for any dish.
Chicory Root Fiber
It’s a new sugar alternative in the health market but has been around for a long time. The root of Chicory provides a textured powder that provides us with fiber as well as gives us the required sweetness. It’s bringing a new wave of sugar-reduction among big companies, so why not use it at home too? It has a low glycemic index and helps in maintaining a healthy level of bacteria in the colon.
Yacon Syrup
This unrefined sugar substitute made from the roots of the yacon plant is another ideal replacement of sugar. It’s half the calories of normal sugar and tastes like honey. It’s loaded with antioxidants and is rich in dietary fiber. So, you get the best of both world, with the nutrients and the taste. It’s a great ingredient that will help you cut down on your sugar habits along with keeping your body healthy and fit.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit sugar is a naturally occurring sugar that is 200 per cent sweeter than regular sugar. A little amount would go a long way, so it’s a long term investment. It is the safest and healthiest alternative in the market. Packed with antioxidants and other nutrients, it supports better immune health as well as digestive and respiratory health.
