Sugar plays a notable role in your body as it produces carbohydrates, which are converted into energy to carry out various bodily functions. But consuming excessive sugar can lead to negative health effects like diabetes, obesity, and heart problems.

As a result, sugar usage has been declining over the last few decades. However, researchers have found new ways to sweeten food and beverages without using sugar.

Sweeteners: An Outline

Sweeteners are low-calorie compounds used as a substitute for sugar. They stimulate a sense of sweetness without having to consume actual sugar. Sweeteners are classified into two branches namely: nutritive and non-nutritive.

Nutritive sweeteners deliver calories and provide nourishment to the body. They are also called Natural sweeteners.

As its name suggests, Non-nutritive sweeteners have no energy value and are not digested by the body. They are a suitable sugar substitute for diabetic patients.

Natural Sugar Substitutes

Sweeteners are found naturally or are made synthetically. Each sweetener serves accordingly and has different benefits.

We will be discussing some Different Types Of Sweeteners today that are all-natural and healthier than sugar.

  • Date Syrup

Date paste is a great substitute for sugar as it is made by boiling chopped dates. It is full of iron, copper, and vitamin B6. Date syrup helps metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

  • Raw Honey

Honey is an excellent source of antioxidants (substances that prevent cell damage), vitamins, and minerals. It also helps you build immunity.

  • Stevia

Stevia is a well-known sweetener found in the sugary compounds of stevia leaves. It is about 200 times sweet as sugar, but it contains no calories or carbohydrates. It can lower insulin levels and high blood pressure in people with hypertension and/or diabetes.

  • Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is another nutritional sweetener extracted from sugar cane or sugar beet by triple boiling the extracted juices. Blackstrap molasses contain the same vitamins and minerals as molasses, but they are less sweet and darker in color.

  • Coconut Sugar

Coconut is one of the best alternatives for sugar as it behaves close to sugar but has a lower glycemic index (relative increase in blood glucose levels). Coconut sugar has impressive health benefits like boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss, and its ability to manage diabetes.

  • Monk Fruit Sweetener

Monk fruit sweetener is almost 100 times sweeter than sugar. It has anti-inflammatory characteristics and helps to inhibit cancer growth. It is a healthy and safe sugar alternative having a slight influence on your daily calorie consumption.

Avoid these Natural Sweeteners

As natural sweeteners are 100 – 250 times sweeter than sugar, they and should be taken in small amounts. Here are some of the types of sweeteners to avoid.

  • Agave Nectar

It is extracted from the agave plant, but it is one of the unhealthiest natural sweeteners on the market. It has much higher fructose (a type of sugar) content than table sugar and is linked to obesity and other chronic diseases.

  • Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), or simply corn syrup, is extremely unhealthy despite being a natural sweetener. It is used to sweeten drinks and canned foods. It may increase your risk of heart diseases, weight gain, diabetes, and possibly, cancer.

To Sum Up

Sugar is an important substance for our body, but its excessiveness can lead to negative health effects.

Typically, sweeteners are used to cut down the number of calories your body consumes throughout the day. But a healthy diet plan is also necessary to make your health better. The sweeteners mentioned above can make huge changes to your lifestyle if appropriately consumed.

If you are looking for quality natural sweeteners, you may contact KJ Ingredients, a massive distributor of exceptional organic products.