I know that you ladies are clever enough to know that sugar is not our friend right?
But are you confused about which alternative sweetener is better for you than the next?
Well let's delete the confusion right now.....
Honey, maple syrup, monkfruit, stevia, xylitol, erythritol, and rice syrup are all natural sweeteners that are commonly used as alternatives to refined sugar. Each of these sweeteners has its own unique characteristics and health benefits:
Honey contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It is high in calories and fructose. and should be consumed in moderation.
Maple syrup, another natural sweetener that is high in antioxidants contains minerals such as zinc and manganese. It has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar (less likely to spike blood sugar levels) but is still relatively high in calories.
Rice syrup is a sweetener made from brown rice and is often used as a substitute for corn syrup. It has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar but is still relatively high in calories.
Monkfruit is a zero-calorie sweetener that is extracted from the monkfruit plant. It is sweeter than sugar but does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes. However, some people find that it has a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Stevia is another zero-calorie sweetener that is extracted from the stevia plant. It is also a good option for people with diabetes as it does not affect blood sugar levels. However, like monkfruit, some people find that it has a bitter aftertaste.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum and other products. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar and is less likely to cause cavities. However, consuming too much xylitol can cause digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea.
Erythritol is another sugar alcohol that is similar to xylitol in terms of its health benefits and potential digestive side effects. However, it is slightly less sweet than sugar and has a cooling effect on the tongue.
Rice syrup is a sweetener made from brown rice and is often used as a substitute for corn syrup. It has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar but is still relatively high in calories.
In terms of similarities, all of these natural sweeteners are generally considered healthier alternatives to refined sugar as they have lower glycemic indexes and are less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. However, they should still be consumed in moderation.
Overall, the healthiest natural sweetener depends on individual preferences and dietary needs. Honey and maple syrup are good options for people who want natural sweeteners which have added benefits of antioxidants and minerals, while monkfruit and stevia are good options for people with insulin resistance or diabetes. Xylitol and erythritol are good options for people who want low-calorie sweeteners that are less likely to cause cavities, and rice syrup is a good option for people who want a lower glycemic index sweetener.
If you are a visual learner like I am, this table might help:
Happy Healthy Wishes always
Lou 🌸🤗🌸
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