Millions of individuals throughout the world will attest to the fact that refined sugar is one of the most often used sweeteners. However, its nutritional profile is devoid of any advantages, and it is frequently referred to as a calorie-dense substance. However, there are a variety of sugar substitutes that may be included in our diet.
We need it to sweeten our beverages and foods, whether it's tea or pastries. Sugar eating in excess is a danger that can lead to obesity and heart disease. Research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that a high-sugar diet can increase the risk of heart disease in persons who aren't overweight.
Here are three replacement options for refined sugar;
Sugar undergoes industrialised processing to refine it and loses all of its nutritious value along the route, yielding only simple sucrose as a by-product. As a result, the following options may not only sweeten your drinks and meals but also give health benefits:
1. Jaggery
It's an unprocessed sugar product known as "non-centrifugal sugar" since the beneficial molasses isn't removed during processing. Jaggery is derived mostly from sugar cane or date palm and has a number of health advantages, including assisting digestion, giving iron to the body, and preventing colds and coughs. Jaggery manages to preserve traces of iron, fibre, and other minerals due to its unprocessed nature.
"Jaggery is recommended over sugar since sugar is artificially processed whereas jaggery is organically produced," said Deepika Dua Arora, Director of Mutation Diet Clinic in New Delhi. Jaggery is also a good source of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, and calcium, according to her. When brewing tea, coffee, or sweet meals like barfi or halwa, powdered jaggery can be used.
2. Honey
Honey is high in nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. When ingested in its natural state, it can aid digestion and enhance gut health. According to a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, honey is a wonderful substitute for refined sugar since it contains antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. It might be used as a sweetener in both hot and cold beverages, as well as in sweet meals.
3. Brown sugar
Brown sugar, as opposed to white refined sugar, is prepared naturally to preserve the inherent nutritional properties of sugarcane. The addition of molasses, which supplies vitamins, calcium, iron, and minerals, accounts for the brown colour. According to a study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, the high iron, potassium, and calcium content of molasses may enhance bone and heart health. Brown sugar may be used to sweeten a variety of hot beverages as well as to flavour pastries such as cakes.
While these alternatives to refined sugar are healthier, they should be taken in moderation.
So, folks, try these refined sugar substitutes to improve your general health and well-being!