5 Things You Need to Know About Sugar Alternatives

1. Some Sugar Alternatives to Consider

Wouldn't it be nice to have access to unrefined, unbleached, unprocessed sweeteners that actually are real food instead of chemically processed sources? Well, in fact there are sugar alternatives that are healthy and can be used in countless of ways just like refined sugar. A few natural sweeteners are stevia (herbal extract that is natural sweet flavor and contains no calories), xylitol (which is from fruit, such as berries or trees, specifically birchwood), and agave (a low-growing, cactus-like plant that produces a sweet nectar).

2. The Nature of the Sugar Alternative Stevia

Stevia is a non-caloric herbal extract that is naturally sweet and has been grown used grown and used in South America for centuries. In the 1990s, stevia became better known in the United States and continues to gain popularity. The body processes stevia very slowly, which allows your body's blood sugar to maintain itself with out any significant rise or fall after consuming it. Studies show that stevia is 30 times sweeter than sugar and is a safe sugar alternative without any known side effects. When using stevia as a substitute for sugar, the conversion rate should be 1 cup of sugar to 1 tsp. of stevia. But keep in mind when baking that you will need to experiment with your recipes to make up for the volume and consistency lost from not using a full cup of sugar.

3. All You Need To Know About the Sugar Alternative Xylitol

Xylitol as a sugar substitute resembles sugar in consistency and taste but is said to have a third fewer calories. Studies show that xylitol has no side effects other than a mild laxative effect. It is known that xylitol has a low glycaemic effect in the body and doesn't require insulin for its metabolism. Because of this, it is thought to be a good sugar alternative for those with diabetes. When it comes to baking with xylitol, you can use it just like you would refined sugar and in equal quantities.

4. Agave Is a Versatile Sugar Alternative

Agave (and tequila) is extracted from the heart of the agave plant to produce sweet nectar, is all natural and can sweeten any type of drink or food. As with the other two sugar alternatives, agave has a very low glycemic effect, so even though it is noticeably sweeter than sugar, it is processed slowly through the body. There are no known side affects of consuming agave or including it in a healthy diet, but as with all things, it is best to consume it in moderation. When baking with agave, you just have to experiment with your recipes, as it is liquid. You will not need to use too much, as the sweetness goes a long way.

5. Reasons for Sugar Alternatives

Stevia, xylitol, and agave are less processed than refined sugar and still have their nutrients intact, which allows the body to absorb and use the other nutrients that your body needs. Although they have calories like refined sugar, they are more slowly metabolized by the body. If you are looking for a no-calorie sweetener, use stevia. All in all, sugar alternatives are gaining ground and becoming widely used in more products and in homes. This is good, as they do not carry with them all the health problems or side affects of other sweeteners like aspartame.