Regular or refined sugar is extracted from sugarcane and undergoes heavy processing to remove the molasses. Continuous consumption of these refined sugars is proven to be responsible for numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, liver diseases, etc. Therefore when adding sweeteners to recipes, it is essential to make healthy choices.Here are 6 alternatives you can choose instead of sugar for your next dish. All the flavour, none of the harmful calories!
1. Raw Honey/Forest Honey
It is one of the oldest known natural sweeteners, sourced directly from the honeycomb. It is nutritious and unprocessed, unlike regular honey. With its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties, raw honey is one of the best sweet liquids in its natural and original form. It can be used in salad dressing, smoothies and beverages, toasts, and as dips for a variety of dishes. However, it may not be a good option for baking recipes.
2. Date Sugar
Dates have long been used as a natural sweetener in a variety of dishes, including traditional sweets. Date sugar is made from ground and dried dates and is one of the healthiest sugar substitutes. It’s rich in nutrients, fibre and antioxidant properties. It can be used in baking recipes, smoothies, marinades, oatmeal, etc.
3. Coconut Sugar
It is made from the nectar of the flower buds of coconut palm trees and is also known as coconut palm sugar. It has a few health benefits and contains less fructose. Due to its low glycemic index, it is less likely to raise blood sugar levels. Coconut sugar can be used in the same recipes as regular sugar for baking, cooking, and beverages like tea and coffee.
4. Jaggery
It is the most common natural sweetener derived from sugarcane and is affordable and widely available on the market. Jaggery is rich in nutrients like iron, fibre, and vitamins. It is available in various forms, including cubes, granules, and syrup. It can be used in a wide range of recipes, including traditional sweets, baking, cooking, beverages, and dips and spreads.
5. Organic Brown Sugar
Unlike refined sugar, organic brown sugar is derived from sugarcane juice and retains most of its nutritional properties. It is brown due to the presence of organic molasses and is currently one of the most popular sugar substitutes. It can be used in varied culinary applications such as baking, cooking, hot and cold beverages, etc.
6. Stevia
It is a popular no-calorie sweetener, which is extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant and is intensely sweet. It is considered to be 100-300 times sweeter than refined sugar. It comes in powdered and liquid forms. Stevia sweeteners are effective at controlling blood sugar levels. It can be used to sweeten drinks, cook, and even bake in the same way that regular sugar is.With these natural sugar substitutes, you can rest assured that your dishes will have a delicious sweet taste while also being healthy and nutritional!
Disclaimer: The content on this page is merely suggestive and based on chef experiences. Nothing on this page is providing any assurance regarding an increase in sales, demands, profits or any other aspect whatsoever. Results arising from implementing the suggestions may vary and the website owner shall not be held liable.
