Refined sugar is so processed that it has absolutely no nutritional value – no fibre, nutrients, healthy fats or enzymes. In fact, it acts as an “anti-nutrient,” robbing your body of precious minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. And as little as 36g of sugar for adults and 18g for children begins to suppress our immune system.
But we have taste buds targeted for ‘sweet’, so we’re obviously designed to want this flavour. Luckily, there are some healthier, natural sweeteners we can use instead.
WHAT ARE NATURAL SWEETENERS?
This may seem obvious, but as more and more dubious products come out claiming to be “natural” sweeteners, I think I should explain more. Natural sweeteners are minimally processed (depending on the quality you purchase) don’t require the use of added chemicals, enzymes or expensive machinery, and still contain minerals and phytonutrients that occur naturally. For instance;
Agave — NOT NATURAL
Rice Bran Syrup — NOT NATURAL
Sugar Alcohols (like xylitol or erythritol) — NOT NATURAL
Stevia Leaf Powder — NATURAL
Maple Syrup — NATURAL
Raw Honey — NATURAL
Rapadura Sugar — NATURAL
Organic Dates — NATURAL
These natural sweeteners nourish the body instead of deplete it.
RAW, LOCAL HONEY
contains antimicrobial properties, enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, potassium. It also soothes sore throats, coughs, and respiratory conditions.
DATES
are naturally loaded with potassium, copper, iron, manganese, Vitamin B6 and magnesium. You can also ferment them to make them even lower in sugar, full of probiotics and easier to digest (recipe/ instructions are on my website).
STEVIA
doesn’t affect blood sugar levels, doesn’t feed Candida or pathogens in the gut, or set you up for sugar/ carbohydrate cravings. When purchasing stevia, find one that is pure, as so many contain fillers like maltodextrin, flavours, lactose, glycerin and alcohol.
MAPLE SYRUP
is an excellent source of manganese, zinc and other antioxidants. Be sure you purchase pure, organic maple syrup as many commercial brands use formaldehyde in processing.
What’s your favourite natural sweetener?
Which Sugar is best?
Healing Foods 