This article explores 9 research-backed healthy alternatives you can use instead.Evidence suggests that those who follow diets high in added sugar are more likely to develop obesity (Sugar can interfere with hormones in your body that regulate hunger and satiety, leading to increased calorie intake and weight gain (Excessive sugar consumption can also harm your metabolism, which can lead to increased insulin and fat storage (High sugar intake is associated with poor oral health and some of the most deadly diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (In addition to causing health problems, sugar is addictive. It has a slightly lower glycemic index than regular sugar, so it may not raise blood sugar levels as quickly. Paired with ginger, honey can be used to fight colds.Steviol glycoside is a sugar substitute that is extracted from the South American plant species stevia rebaundiana. Pyure Organic Sugar-Free Maple Syrup Alternative offers the same flavor & consistency as real maple syrup, minus the calories & carbohydrates. However, since this process is very expensive, birch sugar is most often produced from corn cobs these days.Xylitol is not calorie-free and provides about 240 calories per 100 g. Eating large quantities of it (20-30 g) can lead to or severe diarrhea. Most of useat much more than this every day. https://www.thespruceeats.com/maple-syrup-substitute-recipe-1806713 Yet, it will still raise them (Much like coconut sugar and honey, maple syrup is a slightly better option than regular sugar, but it should still be consumed in moderation.Maple syrup contains some minerals and over 24 different antioxidants. The drawback to using this light brown sugar is that it will alter the color of your cocktails slightly, but the taste makes up for it. Substitute 1 cup packed brown sugar and ¼ cup water. Research shows it can reduce glycemic index, body weight, and the risk of colon cancer (What’s more, one study found that fructooligosaccharides can increase feelings of satiety, which may help you feel full faster, as well as eat less (They also feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, which are Having healthy gut bacteria has been linked to a decreased risk of diabetes and obesity, as well as improved immunity and brain function (Yacon syrup is generally considered safe, but eating large amounts of it may lead to excessive gas, diarrhea, or general digestive discomfort.Yacon syrup contains one-third of the calories of regular sugar. Fortunately, there are many ways to sweeten foods without adding sugar. This is the most popular sweetener available that’s similar to simple syrup but has a deeper flavor. This sugar substitute is made from the nectar of the flower buds of the coconut palm. Xylitol contains 2.4 calories per gram, which is 40% fewer calories than sugar. This leads to cravings and can drive overeating, especially in stressed individuals (Consider the following alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth.Stevia is a natural sweetener that’s extracted from the leaves of a South American shrub that’s scientifically known as Stevioside, a sweet compound in stevia, has been shown to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and insulin levels (While Stevia is considered generally safe, more current research is needed to determine whether the natural sweetener brings sustained benefits for human health. The syrup is also called as light treacle and has the color similar to amber. © Copyright runtastic GmbH 2020 Trail Running ᐅ Beginner Tips for Trail Running from the Pros6 Helpful Bodyweight Back Exercises for At Home WorkoutsTrain like… you: Tap into Your Workout Motivation and Find Your StrengthImprove Your Balance with Stability Exercises: 5 Helpful Exercises5 Irresistible BBQ Ideas and Summer Grill Recipes (+ Tips! Share it with friends to inspire them too! Dates come from the date palm, which originated around the Persian Gulf. It occurs naturally in foods like strawberries, pears, melons, and grapes. It has been an approved food additive in the EU since 2011. We’ve compared 8alternatives to sugar below. It is ideal to use for weight loss since it has no calorie content at all. Alternatively, mix agave nectar by itself into drinks, but you should add about a third less than the recipe requires because it's much sweeter than sugar. Another type of manufactured simple syrup substitutes the sugar with stevia, completely cutting the calories. Its flavor is slightly stronger than maple syrup, but it still works as a sub. After that, mold becomes a problem. Yacon Syrup. It is primarily used as a substitute for raw sugar and adds rich volume. Yet, they should still be used sparingly.As with most things in nutrition, moderation is key.© 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company.