Getting the news that you have or are on your way to prediabetes is never fun. But giving up that sweet, sweet sugar sometimes seems impossible. Here are some healthier alternatives to quench your sweet tooth without the health consequences.
Raw honey
Raw honey has been tried over the years for everything from wound dressings to the sweetener we use most often today. Raw honey is rich in nutrients, but commercial honey is just as bad as sugar.
Organic coconut sugar
Infuse your drinks and meals with a little tropical kick and use coconut sugar instead of the unhealthy one. This potassium-rich sweetener is made from the sap of coconut flowers and can be purchased in granule, block, or paste form.
Molasses
Molasses is a byproduct of sugar cane processing and is packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Sticky blackstrap molasses is the most mineral-rich and an excellent source of iron, albeit low in fat.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, but is only recently gaining worldwide popularity. It is more than 200 times sweeter than sugar and does not affect blood sugar levels. The production cost is twice as expensive as Stevia, so we’re not sure how popular it will become.
Agave nectar
Extracted from the agave plant, it is almost sweeter than honey, but less digestible. It is very sweet, but does not raise blood sugar. But be careful because a lot of agave on the market is processed and can cause health problems.
Brown rice syrup
You may know and hate brown rice for its notoriously healthy reputation. It has much more nutritional value than high-fructose sources and has a buttery, nutty flavor that tastes great in baked breads and granola bars.
Stevia
It is an extract of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is completely natural, does not raise blood sugar and contains no calories or carbohydrates. This low-glycemic option is available in powder, liquid, or dried leaf form. Avoid Truvia, which is a processed substitute using only certain active ingredients of Stevia.
Maple syrup
This famous pancake has a slightly runnier consistency than honey, but contains up to 24 types of antioxidants! It also protects brain cells, and thus cane prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Moderation is the key to this flavor enhancer.
Lucuma powder
This powder is created from lucuma, a subtropical fruit from Peru. It tastes like mango and has been used medicinally in South America for hundreds of years. It also contains 14 vital trace elements as well as minerals, and does not raise blood sugar levels at all.
Xylitol
Xylitol, which is often written about in dental care advertisements, is really a sugar alcohol that can be used as a sweetener. If reduces tooth decay, but if you have a pet, this stuff can be deadly, so keep it on a high shelf!
