Many people are trying to cut down on their sugar intake, whether to improve their oral health, manage weight, or reduce the risk of health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. While there are artificial sweeteners available, research suggests that these may also have drawbacks for our health.
However, cutting out sweet flavours from your diet altogether can be a bleak prospect, especially if you have a naturally sweet tooth. Fortunately, there are organic sweeteners that offer a healthier alternative to sugar, honey or artificial sweeteners. Here’s a look at some of the most popular natural organic options.
Agave syrup
Agave syrup is derived from the agave plant, which is native to Mexico. Certain types of agave plant can be used to make tequila, but it’s also used to make syrup that has a much lower glycemic index than regular syrup, honey or sugar. Organic agave honey tends to be darker and has a rich caramel flavour.
It can be used as an alternative to sugar or honey in baking cakes, biscuits and desserts, and also stirred into drinks or drizzled onto foods as a topping.
Yacon root powder
Yacon root powder is an extract from the yacon plant, which grows in the remote South American Andes. The yacon root is considered to be the world’s richest natural source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). This is a type of carbohydrate formed of short fructose chains, and it has a naturally sweet taste.
It’s found in small quantities in bananas and certain root vegetables. Yacon root powder is used as a low calorie alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners, helping to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and other health problems. It’s also rich in potassium and antioxidants, providing a further protective effect on the body.
The powder can be added to smoothies or sprinkled directly onto food as an alternative to sugar or honey.
Stevia leaf powder
Stevia powder is extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, and is intensely sweet but calorie-free. It’s often used by people who are managing diabetes as a way to sweeten drinks or desserts. It’s also available in liquid form if you prefer.
Coconut palm sugar
Coconut palm sugar has a sweet caramel flavour and has a much lower glycemic index than conventional sugar products. It’s also highly nutritious, containing a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. It can be used in home baking, or stirred into hot drinks or smoothies.
These healthy alternatives are not perhaps as widely known or used as they should or could be, but they are packed with health benefits and may be literal life-savers. Furthermore, they are produced using 100 per cent organic methods so you can have peace of mind they have a lower environmental impact than other products.