Changing your diet for the better doesn’t mean you need to give up sweets completely. The best way to enjoy sweets is to make them yourself, ensuring you mix in healthier sugar alternatives and use less sweetener overall.
Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is an excellent alternative for sugar. Thanks to its low glycemic index, it’s suitable for diabetics if used moderately. However, it’s sweeter than regular sugar and thinner than honey. Some researches claim that it boosts the immune system. When purchasing agave syrup, make sure it wasn’t heat treated on high temperatures, as this can make it lose its nutritive properties. You can use agave syrup to sweeten pancakes, make smoothies or granola. However, avoid using it with cremes as it can thin them. Remember that agave syrup is at least 1.5 times sweeter than sugar and take that into account when using it in recipes.
Honey
Honey is an excellent alternative to white sugar. It’s digested easier but has a high glycemic index. Therefore, it is suitable for active people as it provides energy. Honey contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. When choosing honey, make sure it’s natural and doesn’t contain any added sugar. Honey tastes great when used in all kinds of homemade sweets. You just need to avoid heating it up as heat can destroy its healthy properties.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is extracted from the coconut flower. It has a mild taste and has a low glycemic index, just as agave syrup. Organic and natural coconut sugar contains twice as much iron, four times as much magnesium, and ten times as much zinc than brown sugar. Additionally, it contains B vitamins. It has a similar texture to regular white sugar.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup has a specific smell and mild taste. It’s thinner than honey but thicker than agave syrup. It lasts for a long time if it’s stored properly in a glass container. It has high levels of minerals and a high glycemic index, which is why it isn’t recommended to diabetics. When a recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, use a 3/4 cup of maple syrup. The specific taste of maple syrup goes well with nuts and can be used when making granola.
