As we all know, too much reconstituted sugar is not good for us and in an effort to cut back, some people switch to other natural alternatives. However, the ‘healthy sugar substitutes’ may not be as healthy as you think. Here’s a quick look at four…
1. Maple syrup: This has become a ‘healthy’ baking choice for Instagrammers and food bloggers, thanks to its natural features. But is it good for you?
“Maple syrup contains about three calories per gram, which is one less than table sugar,” explained dietitian Sophie Medlin (citydietitians.co.uk). However, she says we usually use a lot more syrup because it is in liquid form. Because of this, we could inadvertently increase our calories by choosing syrup.
2. Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar may feel healthy but Medlin says you shouldn’t think of it as anything better for you than the reconstituted substance.
“Coconut sugar contains prebiotic fiber, which feeds our good bacteria and is linked to a slower carbohydrate release,” she says. That said, you should keep in mind that it will still cause the same blood sugar spikes and tooth decay that you get with refined sugar. ”
3. Honey: Honey involves “discovering a useful amount of nutrients such as antioxidants and B vitamins but it still has the same effect on our blood sugar and teeth as sugar,” says Medlin. “Just like maple syrup, it may tend to use more because we think of it as healthy but it will encourage weight gain in the same way as table sugar.”
4. Stevia: If you want to cut down on sugar, many dietitians say that stevia is your best bet. “Stevia is made from a plant and is 200-300 times as sweet as table sugar, with very few calories,” Medlin explained. “This means it can provide the sweetness we get from honey, syrups or table sugar, but not promote weight gain or cause blood sugar spikes. ”
Same issue? “Some people experience a bitter or bitter aftertaste with stevia that they don’t get from other sugars,” Medlin says.