07 Aug Sweet Sugar Alternatives
We all know that processed sugar is not healthy, but boy oh boy, does it taste so good. As a team, we came up with a list of creative alternatives to processed sugar that we personally have tried and wanted to pass this on to you. Hands down, raw honey was the best alternative, since it’s easy to find and has tons of health benefits.
1. Raw honey (preferably wild honey). Raw honey is a great natural sweetener, but did you know that it has health benefits as well?
- Has Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. “All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. When applied on wounds raw, honey speeds the healing of tissues damaged by infection and/or trauma. It contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, all of which aid in the healing of wounds.
- Its a great Probiotic. Some varieties of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. This includes up to 6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of bifidobacteria.
- Has antioxidant properties. Honey contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.
- Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Reduce cough and throat irritation. Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 110 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.
- Can work as a natural and gentle laxative and aids constipation.
- Contains an array of vitamins and minerals.
2. Maple syrup is also full of beneficial minerals. Make sure you buy authentic organic maple syrup since the non-organic ones are just colored sugar water.
3. Dates (or date paste). Dates are very sweet and are packed with fibre. I recommend fresh Medjool dates. I use the organic date paste for baking.
4. Stevia is a natural sweetener, derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant that was first discovered centuries ago in Paraguay by the native population. I highly recommend this to my diabetic patients because it has zero glycemic index and has zero calories.
5. Coconut sugar. With a minimal effect on blood sugar levels, coconut sugar is great for vegans and raw foodies.
6. Molasses. If you can handle its rich flavor, molasses is a super healthy addition to your diet. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, but be sure to select un-sulfured, organic sugarcane molasses.
Namaste,
The Hemp&Heroes Team
Get people back into the kitchen and combat the trend toward processed food and fast food. -Andrew Weil