Tag: Refined sugar alternatives

While honey is often perceived as a healthier alternative to refined sugar, a single tablespoon contains more calories than a tablespoon of table sugar. So, is honey a healthy substitute for sugar, or is it just another sweetener best consumed in moderation?

Kithul treacle, often called kithul honey, is a traditional Sri Lankan sweetener derived from the sap of the fishtail palm. Despite its name, kithul is not honey produced by bees but a palm syrup, and yes, it contains a significant amount of sugar in the form of carbohydrates. However, its unique composition and lower glycemic index set it apart from refined white sugar.

According to traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine, jaggery, or desi gur, has been used for over 3,000 years, prized for its numerous health benefits over refined sugar. This ancient, unrefined sweetener is now gaining global attention as a potentially healthier alternative to the pure sucrose found in table sugar.

While many sweeteners are marketed as 'natural,' most undergo significant processing, stripping them of nutrients. The question, 'what sweetener is not processed?' leads to a much smaller list of truly whole-food options, which retain their nutritional value and are minimally altered from their original state.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total daily energy intake offers considerable health benefits. This applies to brown sugar. Many wonder if its less-processed state makes it a healthy daily choice.

According to nutrition experts, dates are packed with essential nutrients, making them a much healthier alternative to refined sugar. In a world increasingly conscious of the health impacts of processed sugar, many are asking: "Can I use dates as a substitute for sugar?" The answer is a resounding yes, and doing so can add flavor and fiber to your favorite recipes.

According to a study published in *Current Developments In Nutrition*, making a few simple recipe swaps with honey can help 98% of adults adhere more closely to a Mediterranean-style diet. This emphasizes that while fresh fruit is the ideal choice for sweetness, understanding what sweetener can I use on the Mediterranean diet in moderation is key to a balanced approach.

According to nutritionists, the health benefits of plum cake largely depend on its ingredients and preparation. While the fruit and nuts can provide valuable nutrients like antioxidants and fiber, traditional recipes often contain high amounts of refined sugar and butter, which can be detrimental to health.

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?

Coconut sugar has a notably lower glycemic index compared to refined table sugar, with some sources reporting a GI as low as 35. This less-refined sweetener, derived from coconut palm sap, has gained significant popularity as a seemingly healthier alternative for home cooks and health-conscious individuals.