Are you a person, who use canned juice or a drink to quench his thirst instead of homemade lemonade or buttermilk? Do you eat cupcakes, pastries, cookies and cream rolls instead of fresh fruits in your fridge and pantry? Are you one of them, Whose food is not complete without gulab jamuns or ice cream? Especially in India, the occasions of eating sweets are nearly countless. However, most of the people consuming a lot of sweet remain oblivious about calorie intake.
Anything prepared from white sugar causes high blood pressure level, multiple calories and zero nutritive value. As a result, the person may start gradually gaining weight, headache, heart disease and problems like a tooth cavity. Which can later turn into major health problems such as oral health issues, diabetes and fatal diseases like cancer.
You may also like: Diet Plan to Stay Fit with Diabetes
It is very important to know about what you eat. And then, after knowing, what to eat? Remember that sugar, though in a different name, is found in things labelled as sugar-free also. We, in this article, will share some best alternatives to sugar. Here are 6 options to avoid sugar:
- Honey:
Honey has been used for nutritional and medicinal works since ancient times. Fructose is found in high levels in it. It is sweeter than refined sugar. Which obviously means that a small amount of honey is required for a single dish. Honey can be mixed with tea, it can be spread on toast. It is a great alternative to white sugar for your full flavoured boxes, hot drinks and sauces. However, many nutrients are lost during the standard processing of honey, so it is advisable to use raw honey. Raw honey contains flavonoids which means that it is loaded with antioxidants, and has many anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. However, moderation is important here because honey has high calories. This may not be a good option for patients with diabetes, as it increases the level of blood sugar
Also read: How Weight Gain is a Sign of Diabetes?
- Date sugar:
Sugar can also be obtained from dried dates. Which is then processed to convert them into granules. It is considered to be rich in antioxidants as well as rich in fibre properties. Due to its amazing binding and blending properties, date sugar is used for smoothies as well as cookies. For your bakes and cakes, date syrup can be a very tasty option. However, you need to keep in mind that the fructose level of sugar in dates is also high. Therefore, to reduce the level of sugar, it should be used moderately.
- Coconut sugar:
A cut is made by placing the coconut on the palm. Which is left for further evaporation. After this process, a crystallized substance is obtained, of which coconut sugar is made. One great thing about this sugar is its natural sweetness as well as flavour. It can be used in tea or coffee, or sprinkled on top of a waffle or pancake, or added to spicy curries. This artificial sugar can be a good choice, because it contains the nutrients of coconut. It has the presence of insulin fibre due to which it is also considered good for the health of the intestine. However, it is high in calories, so it should be used less.
- Maple Syrup:
Maple syrup is one of the best alternatives of white sugar. It also contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Maple syrup can be used for a wide variety of sweets. From donuts ice cream to savouries such as salmon and pork. It has a lower glycaemic index than refined sugar. Which means that it is very good for those who are struggling with high sugar levels. You can use it in lemonade, tea, salad dressings and smoothies.
- Jaggery
We all know that jaggery is a natural form of sugar substitute derived from sugarcane. Due to its undefined nature, it is considered as a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, iron and antioxidants. A small piece of jaggery after meals activates your digestive enzyme. It is considered very good for anaemic patients, as it increases the level of haemoglobin in the body. Many dishes like jaggery pudding, jaggery rotis, jaggery ladoos and can be made of it. Jaggery is considered more beneficial especially in winter season. Because it drastically reduces the effects of cough, cold and flu.
Also read: Milk Is A Slow Poison For These People