Healthy and Natural Alternatives for Sugar

If you’re looking for a substitute for sugar, it is always recommended that you go all natural as it can help boost your health. Check out the article we found at DIY Natural.

Maple Syrup

We use a local maple syrup for baking. It can take a higher amount of heat without altering its health benefits. You may choose an organic maple syrup or you can simply ask your local producer some questions. Where are their trees? Are they in a heavily polluted area? Do they use chemicals in their syrup production process? If the answers are no, you may happily buy local syrup and save!

Honey

Of course we use our raw, local honey in our house, but only for those foods that we don’t heat. Raw honey has a long list of health benefits, but I explained why it’s not good to heat raw honey a while back.

Agave Syrup

We don’t eat anything that contains this product. Agave nectar has a low glycemic index and therefore is believed to help keep blood sugar levels in check and thusly prevent fluctuations in hormones. Worrying solely about the glycemic index of a food is not a good indicator of health. Unfortunately, agave syrup contains the highest fructose amount of any commercial sweetener, even worse than high fructose corn syrup. High levels of fructose create insulin resistance, an even bigger problem than a temporary spike due to sugar intake. Further, agave nectar is mostly produced from Agave americana which is a known emmenagogue and abortifacient, so should not be used during pregnancy.

Xylitol

I’ve had several members of my community trying to talk me into using xylitol. I’ve always been skeptical. This sugar substitute starts out innocently enough. It is advertised to be isolated from birch sap. I’m all for maple or birch syrup in cooking! Unfortunately, xylitol takes that syrup and hydrogenates it. This is a process that introduces dangerous metals into our food and I avoid it. The other consideration here is that birch sap gets pricey, so a good deal of xylitol is likely isolated from corn instead. More specifically, the cheapest corn, which is heavily polluted and genetically modified. I have seen the studies that claim that xylitol in gum can relieve ear congestion and infection. I would argue that it is the chewing action, not the xylitol itself, that is relieving pressure in the ear. As far as the prevention of cavities, I’d much rather have a cup of homemade grass-fed bone broth!

Next Article: This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Consuming Sugar

Read Full Article: Natural Sugar Substitute: Which are Really Healthy