Cupid's Pulse Article: Food Tips: Natural Sugar ReplacementsCupid's Pulse Article: Food Tips: Natural Sugar Replacements

By Emily Green

No matter what kind of food or drink you buy, there is an extremely likely chance that it contains a decent amount of sugar. While sugar is known to be bad for you, some people can’t stop having their daily morning coffee because of the sugar that’s in it! Many famous cooks or TV chefs like Rachael Ray have added natural sugar replacements into their food or drinks, making their meals healthier bit by bit. By replacing the sugar in your drinks or meals with healthy, more natural sugar replacements, you can continue on your daily grind without having to worry about the effects the sugar can have on your body.

Replacing the sugar in your drinks or meals is a great food tip to improve your lifestyle! What are some great natural sugar replacements?

There is nothing good about adding unneeded sugar to our diet at all, especially the ultra-refined white sugar you find in every grocery store the baking aisle. Our bodies break carbohydrates, like bread or the sugar you find in an apple, down into sugar for energy that is necessary for your body to survive. Natural sugars are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help us stay healthy. But do we really need to add three teaspoons of sugar to our coffee? Here are some of Cupid’s favorite sugar alternatives to in include in your diet for when you must absolutely have extra sweetener:

1. Xylitol: Xylitol is a “sugar alcohol” typically extracted from corn, and found in many fruits and vegetables. Having 40% fewer calories than sugar, xylitol does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. Wondering how this can help you? Xylitol can provide many dental benefits, in addition to helping protect your body against diseases like osteoporosis.

Related Link: Food Trend: Check Out the Best Diet-Friendly Snacks

2. Erythritol: Another “sugar alcohol,” Eryrhritol is even healthier than Xylitol. Containing only 6% of the calories of regular sugar, it tastes exactly like regular sugar, making it an easy substitute. This way you can still have your morning coffee without having to deal with a change in taste.

Related Link: Food Trend: Incorporate Coconut Into Your Meals

3. Yacon Syrup: This sweet, dark syrup is extracted from the yacón plant, which is native to South America. With a consistency similar to molasses, Yacon syrup not only contains one-third of the calories regular sugar possesses but also acts as an appetite reducer. Adding Yacon syrup to your diet us a great way to help you reach your goal weight!

4. Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener with zero calories, and has numerous health benefits! From being proven to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels, Stevia is the perfect sugar substitute to help fight against diabetes. Try it in your next coffee, you never know how much your taste buds will appreciate it!

What are some other natural sugar alternatives? Let us know in the comments below!