Added sugar is one of the most crucial ingredients that we need to consider when buying products in our local grocery store. In fact, it is the most controversial ingredient in the modern diet.
As sweet as it tastes, too much sugar can be deadly. It has been associated with many serious diseases including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even cancer. According to studies, sugar is one of the reasons why cancer cells will grow bigger.
Fortunately, there are many ways to sweeten food or beverages without adding processed sugar.
Several natural sweeteners are often used by health-conscious people and dieticians in place of sugar. These include coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup. These may be still a form of sugar but they are less harmful compared to regular sugar.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is extracted from the sap of the coconut palm trees. It has a lower glycemic index as it has low insulin content.
Honey
Honey is produced by bees. It is gold in color and it is in a thick liquid form. It contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as an abundance of beneficial antioxidants. Many studies throughout the years have attempted to establish clear links between honey and weight loss, decreased glucose levels, and reduced hyperglycemia.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a sugary liquid that is made by cooking the sap of maple trees. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Maple syrup also contains antioxidants. In fact, it has more antioxidants than honey.
Molasses
Molasses is a sweet, brown liquid with a thick, syrup-like consistency. It’s made from boiling down sugar cane or sugar beet juice. It contains a handful of vitamins and minerals, as well as several antioxidants. Overall, molasses makes a fine replacement for refined sugar, but its consumption should be limited, as it’s still a form of sugar.
Always remember that too much of something is bad for your health. Let us all practice taking things in moderation.
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