Natural alternatives to sugar, useful for the body, with no visible differences from the original. The holidays are already on our doorstep and we are all making plans for delicious holiday feasts at home! When it comes to desserts and favorite Christmas treats, it’s hard to think of a way to make them healthy without compromising on taste.
Replacing sugar in Christmas desserts with natural sweeteners is one way to make them healthier. Given that just one cup of white sugar contains 774 calories, we will drastically reduce the amount of calories by skipping sugar this Christmas.
Dried fruits, stevia, honey, molasses and agave are some of the options we can consider to replace high-calorie and unhealthy sugar during the holidays, and not only that – this is a suitable approach to nutrition and everyday life.
Here are some natural alternatives to sugar
- Honey
- Stevia
- Agave syrup
- Xylitol
- Coconut sugar
- Maple syrup
Honey
It is a viscous sweetener undergoing a natural process of processing. Quality honey contains flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties and strengthen immunity. The antioxidants in honey help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and some cancers. Honey has a positive effect on total cholesterol levels in the body.
Stevia
Natural sweetener produced from a plant that bears the Latin name Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni. It is from the same plant family as the sunflower. The low calorie content of stevia ranks it among the healthiest alternatives to sugar in dry fruit. Studies show that stevia has no effect on blood glucose and insulin levels.
Agave syrup
Agave is a delicious nectar extracted from the leaves of the Agave tequilana, a cactus-like plant that grows in Mexico. Agave syrup contains vitamins and antioxidants that protect the human body from free radicals and the harmful effects of the environment. A wonderful sugar substitute!
Xylitol
It belongs to the group of sugar alcohols and is extracted from the bark of tree species such as birch or beech. Like erythritol, xylitol falls into the category of natural sweeteners and is involved in the chemical composition of various fruits and vegetables. It has a very low glycemic index. Due to the zero content of fructose, it has a negligible effect on blood sugar. Xylitol is a great sugar substitute for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity. It has a pleasant mint taste and, unlike sugar, is not prone to tooth decay.
Coconut sugar
A type of sweetener that is produced from the liquid pulp formed from the flowers of the coconut palm. The sweet nectar is dried, forming granulated sugar. It has a rich mineral composition, including zinc, iron, calcium and potassium. Coconut sugar also contains useful fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber and inulin.
Maple syrup
It has been produced for centuries from the bark of Canadian maple trees. It has a number of useful properties – supports heart health, maintains stable immunity and has antioxidant properties. Aromatic syrup is rich in nutrients, minerals and many vitamins.
You can use all these natural sweeteners in various recipes for sugar-free cakes