Have you ever wondered? Are natural sweeteners really better for you than other forms of sugar? The answer is yes. Natural sweeteners are sugar sources that have not been stripped of all of the nutrition in the refining process.
The less refined the better. In this article we will discuss what are the natural sweeteners that are better than refined sugar. But you still have to remember that even if it’s natural, you should still consume it in moderation.
Here Are Natural Sweeteners That Are Good for Your Health :
1. Coconut Sugar Natural Sweeteners
Coconut sugar is made of the extracted sap from flower blossoms or buds of the coconut palm tree. Which is also known as coconut palm sugar, coco sap sugar, or coconut crystals.
Coconut sugar has nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. It also has a low glycemic index, this means it won’t spike your blood sugar and stay stable after consuming it. This may be because of the inulin content, which is a soluble fiber.
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2. Honey
Honey is a thick, golden liquid produced by honey bees.
It contains vitamins, minerals and an abundance of antioxidants. The phenolic acid and flavonoids in honey are the main antioxidants. But once the honey is pasteurized, it will lose its beneficial nutrients, so you have to look for raw honey and ideally local or directly from local beekeepers.
3. Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the stevia leaves which is native to South America. Stevia has been commonly used as a plant-based option that supports healthy blood sugar levels and prompt weight loss.
The leaves contain stevioside, a component that makes it more than 200 times as sweet as sugar. But the taste is slightly different from sugar. This sweetener is packed with nutrients and phytochemicals.
4. Monk Fruit
Monk fruit is a small round fruit grown in Southeast Asia. Its extract is commonly used as a sweetener that has zero calories and is 100-250 times sweeter that sugar
Monk fruit contains natural sugars like fructose and glucose, but it gets its sweetness from antioxidants called mogrosides. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a thick, brown and sugary liquid from the sap of maple trees that's been cooked down to evaporate the moisture.
Maple syrup contains a decent amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and manganese as well as antioxidants. This natural sweetener can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
6. Yacon syrup
Yacon syrup is extracted from the yacon plant. It tastes sweet and has a dark color, thick consistency similar to molasses.
It contains 40-50% fructooligosaccharides, which are a type of sugar molecule that the human body cannot digest. That makes the yacon syrup has one-third of the calories of regular sugar. It also offers a variety of health benefits such as reducing glycemic index and related to body weight loss because it can help you feel full faster.
7. Molasses
Molasses is a sweet, brown liquid with a thick, syrup-like consistency. It’s made from boiling down sugar cane or sugar beet juice.
It contains a handful of vitamins and minerals, as well as several antioxidants. Furthermore, its high iron, potassium, and calcium contents may benefit bone and heart health. Overall, molasses makes a fine replacement for refined sugar, but its consumption should be limited, as it’s still a form of sugar.
Is natural sweetener better than sugar?
Yes, it’s less refined so it still has the nutrition that gives you health benefits. Also, usually it has a lower glycemic index, even no calories at all. So natural sweetener surely is better than your usual refined or table sugar.
Is aspartame a natural sweetener?
No, aspartame is an artificial sweetener. It is not good for your body as it may affect the immune system.
What are natural sweeteners for baking?
Coconut sugar and maple syrup are the most suitable type of sweetener to substitute your sugar in baking.
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What is the best natural sweetener for coffee?
Coconut sugar is the best natural sweetener for coffee. It has a deep flavor and caramel hint, so it is very suitable for coffee as it can brings up the aroma and compliment the bitter taste of the coffee.
Natural sweetener are low in calories, low in fructose, and taste very sweet. Can be found in nature and good for your health.
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