Here’s why we’re looking hard at natural sweeteners. White sugar isn’t doing you any favours (it can raise your risk for heart disease and cause your blood sugar to spike, then crash). But the idea of a life without the sweet stuff? Thank u, next.
So go natural with one of these four cleaner natural sweeteners recommended by Abby K. Cannon, a registered dietician. As she explains, they all contain less fructose than traditional table sugar and more nutritional benefits (think: antioxidants, healthy minerals and fibre). Schweet!
1. Dates
Full of fibre (thanks to its origins as a rich fruit), it also offers inflammation-fighting and mood-lifting health perks. Add these natural sweeteners to ease up spicy dishes.
Per date: 66 calories, 0 g fat, 18 g carbs, 16 g sugar, 2 g fibre, 0 g protein
READ MORE: The 12 Best Healthy Green Juice Recipes You Can Make With A Blender Or Juicer
2. Honey
Its heart-healthy antioxidant and antibacterial properties (which make it great for soothing sore throats) are destroyed by too much heat, so skip it in baked goods. Instead, use in teas and cocktails, and on meh fruit.
Per 1 tablespoon serving: 64 calories, 0 g fat, 17 g carbs, 17 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein
3. Coconut sugar
Sub in 1 cup of these caramel-coloured crystals for 1 cup white sugar to whip up baked goods that promote a happy tum, courtesy of the good bacteria from coconut’s star fibre, inulin.
Per 1 tablespoon serving: 45 calories, 0 g fat, 12 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein
READ MORE: 10 Of The Best Healthy Cereals To Eat For Breakfast Right Now
4. Maple syrup
Natural sweeteners — who knew!? We’re talking “100% pure organic” to score essential minerals like thyroid-boosting manganese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to balance out any bitterness in a vinegary salad dressing, and sub ¾ cup for every cup of regular sugar when baking—just be sure to reduce other liquids by about a quarter too.
Per 1 tablespoon serving: 52 calories, 0 g fat, 13 g carbs, 12 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein
Try them out
This pure and natural Fynbos honey is sourced from a remote area along the Cape West Coast. “This is a good quality honey with a delicate floral note,” says Lily.
Montagu dates are 100% natural, preservative-free, low-GI, high-fibre snacks that keep you satisfied for longer.
This organic maple syrup is full of antioxidants, flavonols and trace minerals. Try it on pancakes, waffles, granola or fruit salads.
Coconut sugar can be used as a replacement for white or brown sugar. Plus, it’s great for biscuits, cakes and breads.
This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com
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