Most people enjoy sweet foods. In fact, the taste bud that detects sweets is on the tip of your tongue, as if to indicate the preference for sugar. From this preference has evolved the use of a variety of sweeteners to add sweetness and flavor to dishes. Some sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup, may pose health risks, while others, among which are maple syrup and honey, contain beneficial nutrients that support health.
Maple Syrup
While all natural sweeteners consist of pure carbohydrates and are devoid of protein and fiber, few contain the minerals found in maple syrup. Two tablespoons of maple syrup contain 33 percent of the daily value of the mineral manganese and 6 percent of zinc. Additionally, one serving contains trace amounts of copper, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium.
Honey
One tablespoon of honey provides trace amounts of minerals which include copper, iron and manganese, in addition to the vitamin riboflavin. According to the website Organic Facts, honey may also improve athletic performance and aid in weight loss. Additionally, honey may possess both antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Molasses
A byproduct when sugar cane is processed into table sugar, molasses has a deep, raisin-like flavor. Blackstrap molasses is a particularly nutritious variety. One tablespoon provides 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin B-6, and over 10 percent of the daily values for copper, iron, magnesium and manganese. In addtion, over 5 percent of the daily values of potassium and the mineral selenium can be found in a single serving of molasses.
Stevia
Most natural sweeteners are also high in calories, which despite the modest content of certain vitamins and minerals, may make them off limits to those with certain medical conditions, among which are diabetes. Stevia is a South American sweetener that can be 30 times as sweet as sugar. This natural sweetener does not affect blood sugar levels, making it safe for consumption by diabetics.
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