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More and more health conscious people have been replacing sugar with substitutes which we call artificial sweeteners. But beware! because along with adding sweetness to your dishes, these little pellets add much more to your body in the form of fats and calories.
Why Is Sugar Harmful?
When we think of sweetness the first thing that comes to our minds is sugar, but when consumed in excess quantity it may lead to dental problems, diabetes and a number of heart diseases. Too much intake of sugar also leads to poor vision or weak eyesight.
Sweets, candies, cakes, cookies, beverages, sodas, packaged fruit juices are major sources of excessive sugar.
What Is An Artificial Sweetener?
Sweeteners taste somewhat similar to the natural ingredient (sugar) but are less in calories. Although manufacturers claim that sugar substitutes are low cal, their prolonged consumption results into deposition of fats in the body thereby leading to weight gain and thus affecting your waistline.
Marketers sell these products in such a way that people are bound to believe in them without giving any second thoughts, which has diverted people towards consumption of sugar substitutes.
In the past few years, people have become a bit more serious regarding health and healthy diet. But some of us who have a “sweet tooth” or are addicted to sugar, find it next to impossible to give up the consumption of sugar.
Even after reading about all the health hazards caused by sugar and sugar substitutes, if you still find it difficult to resist your craving for sweets, you can try these natural sugar substitutes. Natural sweeteners contain plenty of antioxidants and nutrients and are minimally processed, unlike artificial sweeteners.
- Honey: Obtained from the pollen gathered by bees, honey has been substituting sugar since ages. It has antibacterial properties in abundance. Raw or unprocessed honey come with a lot of nutrients in it. You can use it instead of sugar in desserts, tea/milk.
- Maple Syrup: Boiling of maple tree sap results into a thick semi fluid concentration known as maple syrup. It looks just like honey but tastes different than honey. It can be replaced with refined sugar while preparing ice creams. You can even add it in milk/yogurt for a refreshing and healthy drink.
- Dates: Dates are rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin B6. They are naturally very sweet thus, can be used in a variety of sweet dishes, custards, and puddings.
In case you have any queries regarding health and fitness, do let us know at GoNirog Healthcare.