With obesity and type 2 diabetes on the rise, it's best to reduce the consumption of refined white table sugar. Amazingly enough, it is still possible to enjoy delicious food preparations, sweetened with natural sugar substitutes that do not cause high blood glucose levels, are low in calories and, in some cases protect against tooth decay.
Here’s a list of the top 7 natural sugar substitutes:
1. Stevia
2. Agave nectar
3. Brown rice syrup
4. Barley malt syrup
5. Vegetable glycerine
6. Erythritol
7. Xylitol
Here's a list of recipes that use these natural sweeteners:
1. Erythritol: Pumpkin spice cookies
2. Agave nectar: Double chocolate chip cookies
3. Rice syrup: Coconut macaroons
4. Barley syrup: Crispy grain and nut bars
These sweeteners contain different levels of sweetness. Some equal the sweetness of sugar and others do not.
If you’re interested in maintaining a healthy diet for yourself and your family, it helps to know which sugar replacement works best and tastes best in which kinds of food preparations.
Comments
Thanks so much for sharing this important information! I need to add that diabetics should use EXTREME caution with Agave Nectar, Brown rice syrup and Barley malt syrup. Although touted as "low glycemic" sweeteners, these syrups actually have a huge impact on blood glucose levels. I recommend that diabetics stick to Stevia, Xylitol or Erythritol to maintain stable glucose levels. Thanks again for sharing this information!
Pamela,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I could not agree with you more.
Although agave nectar, brown rice syrup and barley malt syrup are gentler than sugar, because they do affect blood sugar levels, they need to be consumed in moderation even by individuals who do not have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or Metabolic Syndrome.
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