A meal is incomplete without having a good dessert but these desserts contain white sugar which is not healthy and can lead to increase in blood sugar levels, heart disease, and weight gain. So for all those who cannot live without ‘meetha’ we bring to you some substitutes that tastes like sugar and are healthy too.
1. Raw Honey
No doubt Honey is one of the most commonly used substitutes for white sugar. But, many people do not know that consuming raw honey is more effective and a better substitute. It has zinc, iron and other qualities that help in boosting health and also adds sweetness to your taste.
2. Maple syrup
Although honey and maple syrup are used almost in the same way but some people go for maple syrup instead of honey because its vegetarian. The most important thing that you should keep in mind before buying a maple syrup is that it should be pure as many types of syrup contain extra added sugar which are not healthy.
3. Dates
Dates are very tasty and good for health. It is a great substitute for white sugar; you can have it as snacks or use it for desserts. It has many health benefits such as reducing blood pressure and promoting heart health.
4. Fruits
This is something that almost every one of us knows. Fruits are the natural substitute for sugar as it does not contain any added sugar. They are healthy and you can use it in many things instead of sugar. Adding pureed bananas or figs in place of sugar works for many baked goods.
5. Erythritol
Erythritol looks and tastes like sugar; it is a great healthy substitute for white sugar. It does not only reduce your sugar intake but also reduces the calorie consumption.
6. Jaggery
Jaggery is often called as ‘medicinal sugar’ and can be used exactly like sugar. It can be consumed in liquid, solid and powder form. Besides this it also helps in curing problems like constipation, cough and indigestion and has a high mineral content.
7. Sugarcane Juice
Though white sugar is made from sugarcane but the refining process removes many valuable nutrients. Sugarcane juice has vitamins B and C and is rich in organic salts of calcium, iron and manganese.
8. Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that’s extracted from the leaves of shrub known scientifically as Stevia rebaudiana. It contains zero calories and has no known links to weight gain.