Do you want to cut down on sugar but don’t want to give up your sweet hot cup of coffee? The solution is simple: go natural. We know getting sugar out of your diet may sound extremely difficult. But with the right substitutes, you might not have to struggle so hard. Here is what you can replace refined sugar with.
1. Cinnamon
Ah, cinnamon. Even the smell can put you in a better mood. Numerous studies reveal cinnamon helps to reduce insulin resistance and this, in turn, helps to lower blood sugar level.1 After having a meal, glucose gets released into the bloodstream. Cinnamon helps to reduce the amount that gets pushed into the bloodstream.
How To Use:
Swap refined sugar with a pinch of cinnamon for your morning cup o’ joe. Add it to your oatmeal as well.
2. Maple Syrup
Sweet and packed with 24 different antioxidants, maple syrup makes an excellent choice as a sugar substitute. It has a low glycemic index and helps to reduce free radicals. Also, thanks to the presence of zinc, maple syrup offers heart-protective features. With 52 calories in a tablespoon, it can those looking to trim their waistline.
How To Use:
Pick Grade B maple syrup for a healthier choice. Spread it on pancakes, waffles, and use it as a sauce for baking.
3. Banana Puree
HIgh in fiber and full of sweetness, banana is a perfect fix for all your sugar issues. Smaller bananas have a low glycemic index and thanks to its fiber content, it reduces blood sugar spike.2Yellow or ripe bananas can do the opposite. Also, studies confirm eating bananas regularly a day reduces the risk of a stroke by 20%.
How To Use:
Build a puree by mashing a banana and mixing it water. Add banana puree to sweeten smoothies and desserts.
4. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Want something sweet but healthy to drink on cold wintery days? Enter unsweetened cocoa powder! One study revealed the unsweetened variety reduced diabetes risk indicators like a decrease in insulin levels and overall weight.3 You also get several added benefits! Cocoa has lesser fat and it’s extremely rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that improves blood circulation.
How To Use:
Make sure to buy unsweetened organic cocoa powder to avoid hidden artificial flavors and sugar. Drink it with skim milk.
5. Coconut Sugar
Are you on the coconut sugar bandwagon yet? Packed with anti-diabetic compounds, coconut palm sugar scores a low glycemic index rating. One study revealed inulin, present in coconut sugar, helped to reduce glucose levels and improved type 2 diabetes in women.4
How To Use:
It tastes and looks like brown sugar. You could pretty much swap all your refined sugar choices with coconut sugar.
6. Dates
Dates make an amazing sugar substitute. Rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium, dates can offer a subtle hint of flavor and sweetness. Bonus points include a decrease in LDL cholesterol level, improved digestion, and an increase in energy level.
How To Use:
A date paste can be used as a sugar substitute for baking requirements.
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