Top 3 Natural Sugar Alternatives

When I was a gestational diabetic I had to get really crafty with what I ate. I have a sweet tooth and I know that wasn’t good for me or my baby at the time, so I started researching. I was pleasantly surprised with what I came up with. I found natural sugar that is actually good for you! I tried each one and you would never know the difference between refined white sugar and the natural substitutes. So here are my top 3 choices for the best sugar alternatives. 1 being the best.

Xylitol

This stuff is amazing! It tastes just like refined sugar, the only difference I noticed was the grains were a bit larger than white sugar but still tastes exactly the same. It has been used in baking and natural toothpaste. I like it the best because it is more widely available to purchase and you definitely want to get the non-corn kind.

Nutritional Facts:

• 40% less calories than refined sugar
• contains trace minerals such as vitamin B
• No change to insulin levels!

You can get Xylitol here:

Monk Fruit

Native to southern China and northern Thailand, monk fruit is a plant that grows grape-like fruit on a vine. The sweetness of Monk Fruit is 300 times sweeter than cane sugar. Monk Fruit grains are similar to refined white sugar so you really can’t tell the difference.

Nutritional Facts:

• 0 Calories
• No change to insulin levels!
• several health benefits such as aids in weight loss, protects the heart, anti-aging, high in antioxidants and more.

You can get Monk Fruit here:

Stevia

A plant found in South America that is considered 150 times sweeter than refined sugar.  It has been widely used in Japan for decades as an alternative sweetener. You can grow the plant or buy crystals to use Stevia. I found the taste to be more like an actual sweetener taste, it wasn’t my favourite choice but still better option by far than chemically added sweeteners. More economical to purchase but an acquired taste.

You can buy Stevia here:

 

All and all these sugars are the best healthy choices for your body if you are looking to manage your blood sugar, lose weight and reap the health benefits they offer.  Refined sugar today is heavily processed and horrible for your body and it can cause some serious health effects.

 

So have you tried any of these natural sugar substitutes? Leave your comments below!