We all know that processed sugar is in basically everything; it is naturally found in fruit and purposely used in the foods we buy at a supermarket. However, what many do not know is that sugar is considered to be as addictive as a drug and harmful to your health.
Even The Journal of America Medical Association stated that there is an association between eating high amounts of sugar and higher cholesterol levels and diabetes. To avoid these side effects of processed sugar, try these sweet alternatives.
Coconut Sugar
Photo by Chloe Georgaklis
Coconut sugar is full of antioxidants as well as many other nutrients. According to the Huffington Post, coconut provides healthy fats, including lauric acid, which are antiviral, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and even help fight some cancers It tastes similar to brown sugar and is a nice pair for your tea and coffee.
#SpoonTip: Coconut Sugar can be found at your local grocery store or Whole Foods.
Date Sugar
Photo courtesy of Jo on Including Cake
Date sugar is basically dried dates that are turned into a powder and it is really easy to learn how to make if you follow this video. Date sugar does not melt well so it is perfect for baking. Use 2/3 the amount of date sugar in the place of brown or white sugar that is called for in your recipe.
Raw Honey
Photo courtesy of HoneyBeeConservancy.com
My personal favorite, raw honey is a natural antibacterial, boosts the immune system, and is high in antioxidants. It also stabilizes blood pressure and helps balance blood sugar levels. Putting it in your tea when you have a sore throat or drizzling it on top of oatmeal is a healthy alternative.
Pure Maple Syrup
Photo courtesy of FarmtoPeople.com
Maple syrup contains manganese and zinc which help with energy production and optimal for your immune system. Substitute refined processed sugar with maple syrup when baking and try the swap in this awesome chocolate chip banana bread.
Agave Nectar
Photo courtesy of iHerb.com
Agave Nectar comes from the blue agave plant, which also is used to make tequila…no joke. It is also really low on the glycemic index. This means it has a low impact on your blood sugar levels, so if you are diabetic, Agave Nectar would be a perfect choice. Drizzle some on your pancakes or in a fruit smoothie for a sweet addition.
Apple Sauce
Photo courtesy of BUDS Magazine
Yup, apple sauce is a healthy alternative to processed sugar. If you purchase it with no sugar added, it can be an awesome substitute in a batch of oatmeal cookies. Not only does it make any baked goods sweet and nutritious, it makes it moist as well.
Molasses
Photo courtesy of GoldenBarrel.com
Molasses contains tons of nutrients and according to science writer Rose Haney, “can give relief to menstruation-related problems, diabetes and even stress”. Aside from baking with molasses, using it in a homemade BBQ sauce makes it an awesome pair.
No one’s asking you to give up sugar in your diet altogether, (which is virtually impossible) so enjoy these alternatives and you won’t have to sacrifice your sugar high.