For a long and prosperous life, our health should be of great priority as we age. Sugar is often the topic of debate in the world of wellness. Some experts think that we should cut sugar out completely while others think that it is okay to consume in moderation. There is also another option, which is sugar alternatives. Read on to learn more about healthy sugar substitutes for older adults!
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is made from coconut palm sap. It looks similar in color to raw sugar, except with smaller granules. This substitute contains nutrients that regular sugar does not have, including zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium. However, keep in mind that it has almost the same calorie count as regular sugar.
Honey
Honey is commonly used as a sugar alternative because it is healthy and produced by nature. It is naturally sweeter than sugar which means you can use less of it. It does contain more calories per teaspoon but it does not raise blood sugar levels quickly. This makes it a healthy sugar substitute.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is rich in minerals and antioxidants. These include potassium, iron, calcium, and zinc. Maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple trees. Make sure you buy the real maple syrup and not maple-flavored syrup, which actually contains refined sugar and isn’t healthy. Real maple syrup has higher calories than regular sugar but it has a strong flavor which means you can use less to enjoy the same level of sweetness.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit sweetener is obtained from monk fruit. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for ages. It is an excellent, natural sugar substitute that is about a hundred times sweeter than regular sugar but contains zero calories. Furthermore, monk fruit sweetener contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
Stevia
Stevia is one of the more popular sugar substitutes that are available on the market as it is about 100-300 times sweeter than regular sugar. It does not have any carbohydrates, calories, or artificial ingredients. If you want to use Stevia as a sugar substitute, make sure to buy it in powder or liquid form, as approved by the FDA.
Splenda
Just like Stevia, Splenda is one of the popular sugar substitutes. It is 600 times sweeter than sugar and has fewer calories.
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After knowing more about healthy sugar substitutes, you might want to stay in a senior living community where you will be provided with healthier food and drinks. Feel free to contact us today for more information!