From cakes to mithai, every sweet dish is incomplete without sugar. While enjoying sweets, people usually forget that the white sugar has certain side effects. According to studies, white sugar is associated with obesity, excess belly fat, diabetes, and heart disease. Doctors usually suggest to avoid excessive intake of white sugar. Although, sugar tastes delicious but eating too much sugar may take a toll on your health. Diets which are high in added sugar can directly be linked to your medical conditions. So, we have a solution for all those people who are fond of sugar. Here, we have a list of 10 healthy substitutes of white sugar.
1. Dates
Dates are considered as one of the best natural sweeteners. It is basically a source of fructose, which is a type of sugar found in fruits. Dates help to build proteins in the body and it helps to prevent constipation as it has fiber, nutrients, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Dates are not only healthy but also tasty.
2. Honey
It contains important minerals and vitamins which includes calcium, potassium, vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. Honey includes antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is very sweet in taste, so it is required in less quantity as compared to white sugar.
3. Jaggery
Jaggery has more nutrients as compared to white sugar because it has its molasses content. If you don’t know what is molasses, then let’s tell you that it is a nutritious by-product of the sugar making process, which is usually removed while making refined sugar. Jaggery is considered as one of the best substitutes of white sugar.
4. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is less in calories as compared to white sugar. It contains numerous micronutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and vitamin B-6, which is good for healthy functioning of the body. Health conscious people usually prefer brown sugar for maintaining a healthy life.
5. Stevia
Stevia is natural substance of sugar. It has zero calories and it is way too sweeter than sugar. Stevia helps to prevent weight gain and reduces blood sugar levels. Diabetic people are recommended to consume stevia instead of sugar.
6. Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols aka polyols are a kind of carbohydrates that are present in fruits and vegetables. Sugar Alcohols are used as sugar alternatives which include erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol. It has less calories which don’t affect blood sugar level and can be considered as the best alternative for people with Diabetes.
7. Monk Fruit Sweetener
It is obtained from the Siraitia grosvenorii plant, which is usually found in China. According to studies, it is 300 times sweeter than the normal sugar but it doesn’t have any calories. It is the best option for diabetic patients. The sweetness of this ingredient came from compounds known as mogrosides, primarily mogroside V.
8. Maple Syrup
It is a thick sugary liquid that is prepared by cooking the sap of maple trees. It contains Potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc and iron. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is high in sugar like any other sweetener. Doctors usually suggest to use it in moderation.
9. Allulose
Allulose which is known as D-allulose is a sugar that exists in certain fruits. It has 70% of sweetness with just 0.2 calories per gram. According to studies, allulose may help to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.
10. Molasses
It is a sweet, brown liquid with a thick, syrup-like consistency. This ingredient is made by boiling sugar cane or sugar beet juice. It is full of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It is considered as a fine replacement of sugar. It is one of the best options for diabetic patients.
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