Sugar Substitutes
Sugar. It’s sweet, it’s delicious, and most of us eat too much of it. It’s no wonder that sugar substitutes have become so popular.
This article will discuss sugar substitutes; however, nowhere will you find artificial sugar substitutes being promoted. Instead, it will discuss natural, delicious sugar substitutes that are actually good for you – in moderation.
Let’s begin with raw honey. When we say raw, we mean honey that has not been pasteurized. This is the healthiest kind of honey to eat. It is loaded with minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. It is also full of vitamins B2 and B6 – along with manganese and iron. Is has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Recent research shows that honey, at least in its raw form, has anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also a natural source of hydrogen peroxide, which is why it helps treat infections. Because it contains antioxidants, it can help to limit the damage to tissue of the colon caused by colitis. Honey comes in many different flavors, depending on the area that it was collected from, and the flowers which grow there.
Licorice is a root. It has a very sweet taste; some say that it is up to 40 times sweeter than sugar. The taste however, is distinct. Alternative medicine recognizes licorice as an adaptogen, which means that it can help the body adapts to stressful situations. The biggest precaution for licorice, is that it can temporarily elevated blood pressure. This means that those who already have hypertension should be cautious about using it.
Tiger Nut is a plant tuber. They are found in the Mediterranean region of southern Europe; they also grow in Central and South America, as well as Africa. They are sweet and nutritious. They can aid digestive ailments, and they can soothe an upset stomach if it is bloated.
Brown Rice Malt is made by heating sprouted grains, which activates enzymes in the grains that turn starch into sugar. Because malt is high in maltose, it has a lower glycemic index than sweeteners which contain glucose.
Coconut Sugar can actually be thought of as coconut sap. Coconut trees, just like maple trees, have a clear sweet sap that can be tapped to make syrup.
The above list should help you the next time you’re out looking for a sweetener, and want to reach for something other than sugar.
