In this fight against diabetes, it's high time we take a look at the substitutes of sugar and determine which we should change no. We can never get rid of sugar completely, think about our ice cream, soft drinks, coffee, desserts, chocolates and Honey Creamy Macadamia. We are just flooded with sweets and it makes us feel so much happier after consuming them.
Of course we can't eat too much of sweet things. Let's see how we can replace them with other alternatives and you can decide what is good for you!
1. Brown sugar
What is it: Both brown and white sugar are made by boiling and evaporating cane sugar juice to form solid sugar crystals.
Why is is good: As this type of sugar does not go through a lot of processing methods including bleaching, they have a darker colours and gives a caramel flavour with a richer taste than white sugar. Not just that, they also contain more amount of calcium and iron nutrients. Why is it not so good: The calories are still the same at 16 calories a teaspoon and our body process them the same way. The amount of nutrients are also very small, at less than a milligram per teaspoon.
How to use: 1:1 replacement ratio with white sugar
3. Maple Syrup
What is it: The concentrated sap extract from maple tree. This is different from pancake syrup which is actually just white sugar in liquid form.
Why is is good: The content of maple syrup includes nutrients like zinc, calcium, riboflavin, magnesium and antioxidants. It is made up of glucose and fructose and has the same calories as white sugar per teaspoonbut you can use lesser amount for the same sweetness.
Why is it not so good: The nutrient content is so small and contributes less than 1 percent in a teaspoon.
How to use:1:3 maple syrup ratio to white sugar. Maple syrup taste more flavourful and rich so it can be used in deserts and savoury food like pancakes.
4. Dates
What is it:The fruits from the date palm tree.
Why is it good: Dates are fruits so they actually contribute more nutrients, such as dietary fiber. A date contains about 20 calories,a gram of fiber. Dates also have small amounts of calcium and potassium.
Why is it not so good: No reason, they have the highest amount of fiber among all the sweeteners.
How to use: Dates are usually eaten as snacks and we usually find them dried, sticky and chewy. They are also eaten by Muslims to break fast or used by Chinese in soups. You can add them in smoothies or homemade nut milks, by blending them together.
5. Coconut Sugar
What is it: Sugar that comes from the sap extract of coconut tree.
Why is it good: Coconut sugar has trace amounts of nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. As coconut sugar contains less fructose than white sugar, your liver digest it in a different way, which is healthier because there is less potential of it turning into fats.
Why is it not so good: Coconut sugar is still high in sucrose and it does raise your blood sugar.
How to use: 1:1 with white sugar and it has similar taste too.
6. Stevia
Conclusion
None of them are healthy!
The trace amount of nutrients does not mean you can consume more because they will still raise your sugar content. We do not eat sugar on its own so it ultimately depends on the kind of food we eat as a whole.
So, go easy on sugar, try to enjoy coffee or tea without it. They really taste more fragrant and you will grow to like it. Remember to take sugar in moderation as per all kinds of food!
P.S: We have reduced our price on all raw and baked nuts for up to 20%! This is only until 30 Sept so hurry and get them soon!
