Keeping it Sweet…

Sugar Substitutes

Since many people are aware that refined sugar is linked to weight gain, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and inflammation, we want to cut down on sugar but still keep it sweet...

Here are some natural sweeteners that are mineral packed and nutritious, most of which are superfoods! Of course, limit these natural sweeteners and enjoy them occasionally, so that weight loss can be achieved sustainably.

Dates are great for a healthy dessert and are a good binder to combine ingredients in a dessert recipe. Rich in antioxidants, iron, potassium, and soluble fibre to curb the appetite.

Raw honey is only best when consumed raw, not cooked or heated. It has medicinal benefits to treat coughs, cramps, burns, congestion and diarrhoea. It also has antibacterial properties to kill dangerous bacteria on the inside and outside of the body. UMF, MGO and NPA are used on honey labels to indicate how antibacterial the honey is. The higher the figures shown, the more antibacterial properties it contains. MGO 900+, UMF 25+ or NPA 25+ are ultra high and used for wound care.

Carob molasses is an iron-rich sweetener. A good substitute for syrups in baking. Some molasses could have sulphite residues so select those that are sulphite free.

Coconut sugar is one of the most nutritious and sustainable sugars available. Although it is unrefined it is still high in natural fructose sugar. Rich in many trace vitamins and minerals. It’s a good brown sugar replacement.

Pure maple syrup will only be pure when you purchase it as ‘certified organic’ and ‘grade A’. The cost of the pure maple syrup will reflect its quality. Also contains minerals of zinc, manganese, copper, potassium and other trace minerals. This is a good substitute for refined syrups for pancakes and waffles. It is still sweet - use small amounts.

100% pure stevia (not blended with erythritol) is only 100% when it is not blended with other sweeteners such as erythritol. It’s hard to find the real thing. Stevia comes from a green stevia leaf. It is 30 times sweeter than sugar and has no calories. The unprocessed original stevia can only be found in selected health stores.

What’s your favourite natural sweetener?