Everything must be consumed in moderation, and that goes for desserts and sweet treats as well. A high blood sugar level is not something to sneeze at as this can compromise your health. However, there is no need to ditch sweets all together. If you are looking for healthier options, you can make the switch to a natural or vegan sweetener, which is way better than refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup.
Here is a list of vegan sweeteners that you might want to check out.
Table of Contents
Honey
Widely known as a popular substitute for refined sugar, honey is the oldest sweetener known to mankind. Unlike refined sugars, honey contains a range of vitamins and antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Many opt for honey instead of refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup as it is the healthier alternative to sweeten their dessert or drinks.
Maple Syrup
Another favourite by sweet lovers, maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar maple trees. This natural sweetener is loved for its smooth sweetness and health benefits. It is known to be rich in antioxidants and helps in preventing skin cancer. Maple syrup is also excellent as a sweetener for beverages such as coffee and tea.
Stevia
Another natural sweetener that is an excellent replacement for refined sugars is stevia, which comes from the stevia plant. Stevia is about 200 – 300 times sweeter compared to the usual refined sugar. This natural sweetener is usually added in very small amounts since its sweetness can be very overwhelming when used too much.
Coconut Sugar
If you love the nutty undertones of coconut, then coconut sugar is something that you should definitely try. Additionally, coconut sugar contains inulin which is a type of dietary fibre that helps you maintain a healthy digestive system and balances your blood sugar. It is also known to help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease.
Date Paste
Dried dates make for wonderful sweeteners since it contains a lot of concentrated natural sugars. You can even easily make date paste at home with a food processor. Date paste also provides a lot of fibre content which helps in keeping your digestive system healthy.
Natural sweeteners are a great alternative if you are looking to improve your diet and overall lifestyle. They are generally healthier compared to refined sugars and other syrups but consuming too much can still compromise your health. Nothing beats a well-balanced diet and an active, healthy lifestyle.