Who would not like to indulge in a super sumptuous bowl of the sweet dish? Whether it is mom’s homemade kheer or a sweet brought from an outside shop, no one says no to a bowl of mithai. A delicious dessert after a hearty meal satiates our tastebuds like a cherry on top. Sugar releases serotonin, the chemical in our brains that makes us happy. Having said that, let’s face the truth. Whether we like it or not, sweets are not great for your health. To get to brass tacks, refined sugar is bad for your health.

Not only it packs on severe pounds but can also be a host to many health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases, and kidney ailments besides obesity as well. The negative health effects of sugar are no more a secret; thus, you should start avoiding excessive sugar at any cost! Though sweets have a special place in our lives, but we are always in a dilemma. Should we sacrifice our sweet pangs to keep avoiding sweetness for good, or can we still pamper our taste buds without adding sugar to them? The greatness of mother nature is such that there is a healthy natural alternative to sugar, and they provide all the goodness of taste without giving you any health worries. In fact, not only do they provide you with the sweetness of life, but many health benefits, indeed the most prominent ones. Nature-based sweeteners are certainly a safer option than using over-processed white sugar in your food.

Also Read: Sugar Detox Diet: Discover The Benefits And Ways To Cut Down Added Sugar

What Is A Natural Sweetener?

Natural sweeteners are simple alternatives that provide the taste of sugar but contain a significantly less calorific value. Many of the self-proclaimed sweeteners available in the market today are made by using refined white sugar, sucralose, and aspartame. They may have chemicals such as sulphur dioxide, phosphoric acid, and calcium hydroxide that could be potentially harmful to health.

Shop From Our Array of Sweeteners This Season

No celebration in our country is complete without the presence of sweets. With the festive season around the corner, you can relish your favorite sweets by not avoiding sweetness but giving up white sugar. And the only way to do this is by replacing sugar with natural sweeteners. Here are some surprising natural options that you can substitute for refined sugar that will not let you compromise on your amiable puddings and delicacies:

Stevia Leaves

Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, the leaves of this herb have gained much prominence since they are an exceptional substitute for sugar. One of the best herbs available in the market, stevia is free of chemicals such as dextrose, isomaltose, or maltodextrin, and is the healthiest natural sweetener available around. Stevia is extensively used by many people who are aiming at weight reduction. Without adding the calorific value of sugar to your food, Stevia is low in calories, which helps in the process of weight control significantly. High blood sugar levels may also cause serious health issues in the long run that include heart-related issues, kidney failure, damage to our blood vessels, diabetes, and even vision problems. Stevia may be a helpful sugar alternative for people with diabetes and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Gudmar

Gudmar is a popular herb in Ayurveda valued for its indispensable medicinal properties. A wood climbing shrub, it inhibits sugar absorption thus reducing sugar cravings in the body, Leaves of Gudmar contain gymnemic acid, a potent bioactive compound that acts to suppress the taste of sugar by interacting with taste receptors on the tongue. Besides being used extensively in the treatment of diabetes, it is an excellent sugar substitute used in various food products.

Also Read: Gurmar/Gudmar: Benefits, Nutrition, Dosage, And Side Effects

Coconut Sugar

Made from coconut extract, coconut sugar is gaining popularity as a natural sugar substitute. Coconut sugar is also called coconut palm sugar. A natural form of sugar made from the sap of coconut palm, this organic form of sugar has a low fructose content and a low glycaemic index. Coconut sugar can curb sweet pangs besides it also contains antioxidants, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Honey

Honey is a natural, sweet liquid produced by bees from the flower nectar. It plays a vital role in nourishing bee colonies and keeping them alive. Honey contains antioxidants and prebiotic oligosaccharides besides potent minerals, Vitamins E and C.  For ages, honey has been an alternative ayurvedic medicine to cure gastrointestinal atony, cardiovascular problems, and chronic inflammatory diseases.