Many of us love to satisfy our sweet tooth, but added sugar can be an unhealthy part of our diet. In many cases, added sugars could be the worse part of of our diet overall. With the rise of diet-related diseases like type 2 diabetes sparking concern, people are looking for ways to avoid added sugar and switch to a healthier sweetener option. While there are many natural and artificial sweeteners that claim to be healthier than sugar, it's hard to distinguish which are and which are not.In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of sweeteners and help you discover healthier sweetener options.
Natural Sweeteners
Stevia - Natural sweetener option that's extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is an excellent alternative to sugar with its calorie-free and zero-glycemic index properties. It can be used in cooking or baking, and research suggests that it can benefit people with diabetes. However, it has a distinct and sometimes bitter taste, and its aftertaste can be a turn-off for some people.
Agave Syrup - Another natural sweetener extracted from the agave plant. It’s a healthy alternative to refined sugar because it has a lower glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause your blood sugar levels to spike as much as sugar does. However, while agave syrup may be a better choice than some other sweeteners, it's still important to keep in mind that it's high in fructose and calories.
Honey - A natural sweetener that is often viewed as a healthier option than sugar. It has beneficial antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties but is still high in calories and is composed of primarily sugar. Honey is best consumed in small quantities in tea or in drizzles on fruit or oats.
Maple Syrup - A natural sweetener made from the sap of maple trees. It contains vitamins and minerals, but should still only be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.Maple syrup is a great choice for flavoring oatmeal or adding a warm sweetness to baked goods.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin lack calories or have a low-calorie count, and therefore, are marketed as healthy options. However, research suggests that they may have harmful effects, including an increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. Even consuming these sweeteners in moderation still carries the capacity to harm your health. Be aware.