Category: Alternative sweeteners

Approximately 70% of the world's jaggery, or *sakhar*, comes from India, where it is often revered for its health-boosting qualities as an unrefined sweetener. Despite this popularity, *sakhar* is not a guilt-free health food and carries both potential benefits and critical risks that consumers should understand before incorporating it into their diet.

With a glycemic index as low as 28 for its treacle form, kithul sugar is gaining attention as a potentially healthier alternative to heavily processed sweeteners. Sourced from the sap of the fishtail palm, this traditional Sri Lankan product offers a unique nutritional profile compared to standard table sugar.

Research consistently shows that high sugar intake can trigger and worsen chronic inflammation in the body by increasing inflammatory markers. This makes many people question, does monk fruit cause inflammation like sugar? The answer is no; monk fruit is fundamentally different and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound up to 150 times sweeter than sucrose, but without the calories. The core question remains: Is licorice better than sugar for overall health, considering its potent compounds and potential risks?

According to a 2020 research study, approximately 70% of the world's jaggery is produced in India, where it has long been valued as a 'medicinal sugar' and a less processed alternative to refined white sugar.

With a glycemic index of 38, significantly lower than table sugar, trehalose releases glucose slowly into the bloodstream. This controlled digestion raises the question: can diabetics eat trehalose as a suitable sugar alternative?

Date syrup, also known as date molasses or 'dibs,' was used as the main sweetener in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, long before refined sugar became widely available. Today, many people are turning to this ancient food to answer the question: Is date syrup the best sweetener for modern health?

Sweet proteins can be thousands of times sweeter than sucrose on a weight basis and are found in some rare tropical fruits. Yes, there are sweet protein foods, primarily from fruits that have been explored as natural, non-caloric sweeteners and taste modifiers.

According to research published in the journal *Nutrients*, dates typically have a low-to-medium glycemic index (GI), with the exact value varying by date variety. This critical fact directly translates to date sugar, an alternative sweetener derived from whole, dried dates, positioning it as a potentially healthier option for those monitoring their blood sugar.

According to a 2017 meta-analysis, prebiotic supplementation, which includes oligosaccharides, was found to reduce fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Given this, the question arises: can oligosaccharides be used as a beneficial alternative sweetener and dietary supplement for diabetic patients?