Good Morning and Happy Sunday!
This week we are going to continue diving into the subject of SUGAR.
Did you know there are 60 names of sugar? Wow!
Before we embark on getting the sugar out of your life but keeping in the sweetness, take a look at this list.
60 NAMES FOR SUGAR
Agave Nectar
Amasake
Apple Sugar
Banana Sugar
Barbados Sugar
Barley Malt
Beet Sugar
Black Strap Molasses
Brown Sugar
Buttered Syrup
Cane Juice Crystals
Cane Sugar
Caramel
Carbitol
Corn Syrup
Corn Syrup solids
Confectioner’s Sugar
Carob Syrup
Castor Sugar
Date Sugar
Demerara Sugar
Dextran
Dextrose
Diastatic Malt
Diatase
Ethyl Maltol
Fructose
Fruit Juice
Fruit Juice Concentrate
Galactose
Glucose
Glucose Solids
Golden Sugar
Golden Syrup
Grape Sugar
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Honey
Icing Sugar
Invert Sugar
Locust Bean Gum
Lactose
Maltodextrin
Maltose
Malt Syrup
Mannose
Maple Syrup
Molasses
Muscovado Sugar
Panocha
Raw Sugar
Refiner’s Syrup
Rice Syrup
Sorbitol
Sorghum Syrup
Sucrose
Sugar
Treacle
Turbinado Sugar
Yellow Sugar
Xanthan Gum
Please note that sugar substitutes, like Sweet‘N Low, Equal and Splenda have the same effects on blood sugar and contain toxins as well, so are to be avoided. (Yes, this means no diet sodas!)
Healthy Sugar Alternatives
Ditch the refined and processed sugars for a much healthier alternative that will still satisfy your sweet tooth. These are all safe bets:
Fruit
If you are in the mood for something sweet, you can always eat some delicious fresh fruit! You will satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the nutrients and fiber associated with the fruit(s) you are enjoying. You knew I was going to say this right?
Black Strap Molasses
Blackstrap Molasses is a sweetener that has many health benefits associated with it. Blackstrap Molasses comes from the process of refining sugar cane into white (table) sugar. Basically, all of the healthy stuff that’s no longer in white sugar, is in the blackstrap molasses. This sweetener has high amounts of manganese, copper, iron, and calcium.
Coconut Palm Sugar and Nectar-Coconut sugar, also known as coconut sap sugar, is a sugar derived from the sap of coconut tree flowers. I love Coconut Palm sugar because it is low on the glycemic index and high in nutrients. Coconut sugar contains 16 vital amino acids, zinc, magnesium, potassium and calcium. You can sub this for refined sugar with a 1:1 ratio.
Maple Syrup
The sap coming from the maple trees are boiled down to make Maple Syrup. This sugar is significantly less processed compared to other sugars, and contains trace amounts of nutrients. I love Maple Syrup since it’s so full of flavor, but use it in moderation since it’s fairly high in calories.
Raw Honey
Raw honey isn’t processed, but it is minimally filtered. In it’s pure and raw state still in tact, you will be able to enjoy the maximum amount of honey’s natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and vital phytonutrients, where all the nutrients are still preserved.
Stevia
Stevia is a herb that is sweeter than refined sugar but it’s calorie free and has no negative effect on the body’s production of insulin.
Xylitol
Xylitol is derived from fruits and vegetables (not the same thing as fructose). Most other forms of sugars are six-carbon sugars, which cause bacterial and fungi overgrowth. Xylitol, however, is a five-carbon sugar, making it an anti-microbial, which prevents the growth of bacteria.
MODERATION
Even though there are many different types of healthy sugars available to you, sugar should still be consumed in moderation. Yes, you need sugar (from natural sources), but it’s not the only thing your body needs. Enjoy in moderation, just like anything else.
Remember we are all UNIQUE and some people thrive on these natural sugar while others feel tired. Take the next few days to embark on this journey with yourself and try a few of these healthier sugar alternatives.
In Health and Happiness,
