Most of us are born with a sweet tooth.. some stronger than others, of course! While we can't always say no to cravings, it's important to keep sugar intake to a minimum in order to decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and to help prevent weight gain. There are a ton of alternative sweeteners out there, but they're not all created equal. All artificial sweeteners (including aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium and saccharin) should be avoided due to evidence linking these sweeteners to a possible increased risk of cancer. If you're currently using any of these sweeteners, stop immediately! Look at the ingredients in your diet soda, juices and baked goods. These nasty sweeteners are hidden well.. just say no!
When looking for natural sweeteners, there are a few important things to consider.Using sweeteners that are naturally derived, minimally processed, not contaminated, and contain some nutrients and antioxidants are top on our list.
Here's a list of our top 5 picks for natural sweeteners:
1. Stevia
Our #1 pick! In fact, at Biopharma Scientific we even have a nickname for it! Good ol' "Steves" is a calorie-free sweetener that's about 100 times sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. It's naturally derived from a South American shrub. Stevia is the only safe calorie-free sweetener currently available, given the health risks associated with artificial sweeteners. Stevia can be used in a variety of desserts, as well as tea/coffee, smoothies..and just about anything! It is the only sweetener we use in our products, including Nanogreens, Nanopro, Nanolean and Nanomega.
2. Molasses
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Molasses is what’s left over during the process of refining sugar cane into white sugar. Molasses is perhaps the most nutrient rich of all sweeteners, providing a significant amount of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6. Its many benefits can include healing acne, acid reflux, anemia, regulating menstrual flow, colitis, cyst reduction, tumor reduction, dermatitis, hair damage, eczema, psoriasis, varicose veins, ulcers, anxiety, constipation and joint pain. Be sure to look for unsulphured blackstrap molasses!
3. Dates
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Glorified by whole foods enthusiasts and Paleo eaters, this naturally dry fruit is a powerhouse of minerals, energy and fiber. Its paste makes a natural binder in baked treats and its syrup adds sweetness to beverages. Eaten plain or stuffed, it makes a nutritious snack.
4. Honey
Go local! Fresh, local, raw honey has antibacterial properties and is a source of antioxidants derived from the pollen collected by bees. Darker honeys have higher antioxidant value. It’s best to use raw or unprocessed honey for higher nutrient and antioxidant content. Use honey instead of refined sugar in tea, yogurt, or drizzled on your favorite treats, but skip baking with it! many say that baking with honey kills the living enzymes and causes mucous to form in the body. This can lead to problems like weight gain and respiratory issues, so buy it raw.. and eat it raw too!
5. Maple Syrup
Not to be confused with the “pancake syrup” that graces many breakfast tables and is made from high fructose corn syrup and caramel coloring, real maple syrup is made by boiling the sap of maple trees into a concentrated and sweet syrup. People mostly associate maple syrup with pancakes and waffles, but maple syrup is a delicious sweetener for your favorite baked treats, salad dressings, sauces & even ice cream!
So go ahead.. indulge in those cravings with these 5 natural sweeteners! Everything in moderation friends, Dolce!
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