Sugar Substitutes : Try 6 Healthy Alternatives to Sugar

Any item made from white sugar increases high blood pressure levels. Best Sugar Substitutes: Do you opt for bottled juice or drinks to quench your thirst instead of homemade lemon water or buttermilk? Do your fridge and pantry contain cupcakes, pastries, cookies, and cream rolls instead of fresh fruits? Are you one of those for whom a meal isn’t complete without gulab jamun or ice cream? In India, every celebration starts with something sweet. However, are you aware of the calories consumed? The extra rounds of cake at your coworker’s birthday and the additional serving of your favorite rasgulla you keep in the fridge.

White sugar signifies high blood pressure levels, “empty” calories, and zero nutritional value. As a result, gradual weight gain, headaches, heart issues, dental problems, and cavities can start occurring. These can escalate into major health issues like oral health, diabetes, and even cancer.

It’s crucial to know what you eat and then understand what you’re eating. Here are some sugar alternatives that can provide you with the knowledge to make your preferred choices. When food is entirely fine in moderation, but if you’re eating out of stress or craving, it’s time to change your life. Remember that products labeled as “sugar-free” may still contain sugar under different names.

Here are the 6 healthy substitutes of Sugar:

1) Raw Honey

The use of honey has been practiced since ancient times for nutritional, medicinal, and therapeutic purposes. It contains a high level of fructose. It is sweeter than refined sugar, which means that less honey is needed for the same dish. So, is honey the ultimate alternative to white sugar? Let’s find out.

Honey can be added to tea, spread on toast, or drizzled over your favorite cereal, hot drink, and sauces. It can be an excellent substitute for white cane sugar in your recipes that require a full-bodied sweetness. However, when I talk about honey, I am referring to raw honey. During the standard processing of honey, many nutrients are lost. Raw honey contains flavonoids, meaning it is packed with antioxidants and has various antiviral and antibacterial properties. However, moderation is crucial here as honey is calorie-dense and may not be a suitable option for individuals with diabetes as it can elevate blood sugar levels. Honey can be mixed with tea very well.

2) Date Sugar

Sugar can be obtained from dried dates, which are then crushed into granules. They are not only rich in antioxidants but also packed with fiber. Due to its excellent binding and blending properties, date sugar is used not only in smoothies but also for cookies. For your baking and cakes, date syrup can be a delicious option. However, it’s essential to note that dates have a higher fructose level, so it should be used in moderation to keep sugar levels in check.

3) Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is made by placing coconut sap on a palm leaf and allowing it to evaporate. After this process, a crystallized substance is left behind, which is then used to make coconut sugar substitutes. The significant thing about this natural sweetness is that it adds its texture and flavor to dishes. For example, coconut sugar substitutes could introduce a new dimension to the taste of a dish. It can be used in tea or coffee, sprinkled on waffles or pancakes, or even incorporated into savory curries. This artificial sugar alternative can be a good choice because it is rich in coconut’s nutrients. It also contains insulin fiber, which can be beneficial for gut health. However, it is calorie-dense, so it should be used sparingly. Coconut is rich in nutrients.

4) Maple Syrup

Do you order maple syrup pancakes for your breakfast? Maple syrup is one of the best alternatives to white sugar, and with its powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, maple syrup can be used for various types of sweets, from donuts to ice cream, and from salmon to pork. It has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, which means it is considered beneficial for people dealing with high sugar levels. You can use it in lemon water, tea, salad dressings, and smoothies by mixing it. Maple syrup can be used for various types of sweets.

5) Figs

Figs contain very simple carbohydrates that can be easily broken down. This means that it will not raise your insulin levels the way sugar does. Figs can be used in five different ways. You can make fig halwa, fig ladoo, fig biscuits, and you can prepare them during festivals and holidays. Soak them in water and convert them into a puree; they are considered good for bone health, blood health, and digestion. Figs contain very simple carbohydrates.

6) Jaggery

We all know that jaggery is a natural form of sugar obtained from sugarcane. Due to its unrefined nature, it is considered a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, iron, and antioxidants. A small piece of jaggery after meals activates your digestive enzymes. It is particularly beneficial for anemic individuals as it can help increase hemoglobin levels in the body. Jaggery can be used to make various dishes, including jaggery halwa, jaggery rotis, jaggery ladoos, and dishes like chickoo. Jaggery is especially beneficial during the winter season, as it can magically reduce the effects of cough, cold, and flu. Jaggery is considered especially beneficial during the winter season.