5 Healthy Sugar Substitutes

by Rashi S. Blogger

With increasing researches and health awareness, most people now have learned the fact that added sugar is a controversial ingredient in our modern diet. Be it packaged foods, soft drinks, candies, or dairy desserts, consumption of sugar is linked with many serious health issues that include heart diseases, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and even cancer.

When we eat sugar, our body releases dopamine and opioids which makes sugar consumption addictive. Experts have agreed that sugar might be as addictive as cocaine.

Thankfully, there are some healthy sugar substitutes available that we can use to sweeten foods.

The write-up mentions 5 best sugar alternatives. Let us take a glance at them.

Xylitol

Obtained from corn or birch wood, xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has 40 percent fewer calories than sugar but offers the same sweetness as that of regular table sugar. It is a healthy sugar substitute as unlike sugar, it does not spike your insulin or blood sugar levels.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweeter obtained from a honeycomb. It is flower nectar collected by bees. Now that gives honey an edge over regular sugar is the presence of a trace of vitamins and minerals. Phenolic acids and flavonoids in sugar make it effective in preventing inflammation, diabetes, and even cancer. However, it is not completely harmless and its intake should be monitored.

Molasses

Molasses is a thick brown syrup that is obtained by boiling down sugar cane. Unlike regular sugar, it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in small amounts. Besides, it contains calcium, potassium, and iron, which are good for bone and heart health. Molasses is definitely a better substitute for sugar but it is still a form of sugar, and thus its intake should be limited.

Erythritol

Just like xylitol, it is a sugar alcohol. It is even lighter than xylitol in terms of calories and pretty much tastes like sugar, which makes it a comparatively safer switch. It does not spike cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and insulin levels.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural plant-based sweeter that is obtained directly from the leaves of the plant with the same name. Stevioside and rebaudioside are two compounds in stevia that are sweeter than sugar. Besides, stevia leaves are packed with phytochemicals and nutrients which make them more than a sweetener. Use of stevia has shown to lower insulin levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

So, these are some of the best sugar alternatives that you can try. For any doubts or clarification, you can consult your doctor.