What Is the Best Alternative to Sugar?

Most people aren’t aware of how much sugar is in their foods, and may unwittingly be increasing their risk of:

• Weight gain
• Acne
• Heart disease
• Type II diabetes
• Fatty liver
• Cancer
• Risk of depression
• Cellular aging and inflammation
• Dental problems

1. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is extracted from corn or birch wood and has a sweetness very similar to sugar. 

Not only does it contain 2.4 calories per gram, which is 40% less than those in sugar, but it also does not contain fructose, which is primarily responsible for the negative effects of sugar. In contrast to sugar, xylitol doesn't increase your glucose or insulin levels. It may even have some health benefits such as improved bone and dental health.

2. Stevia

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that is extracted from the leaves of a South American bush that is scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana.

This sugar substitute can be separated from either stevioside and rebaudioside A, each of which contains zero calories and may be sweeter than sugar.

Leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are loaded with nutrients, so stevia is associated with lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar levels.

3. Monk fruit sweetener

Extracted from monk fruit, this natural sweetener contains zero calories and is significantly sweeter than sugar. 

Although it contains fructose and glucose, it also contains mogroside, which is what provides its sweetness. During processing, mogroside is isolated from the squeezed juice, eliminating fructose and glucose from the sweetener. Mogroside is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against certain diseases.

4. Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is removed from the sap of coconut palm and contains minerals including iron, zinc, calcium and potassium.

Additionally, it has a lower glycemic index than that of sugar, which might be partly because of its inulin (a type of soluble dietary fiber) content.

5. Honey

Honey produced by honeybees is rich in nutrients and minerals that have several health benefits.

Phenolic acids and flavonoids have antioxidant properties, which can help guard against inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

However, although honey has many health benefits, it still contains fructose and should therefore be consumed in moderation.

6. Maple syrup

Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and contains both antioxidants and minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese.

Like honey, maple syrup may have some health benefits but is still fairly high in sugar. So while it is a better option than refined sugar, it’s best to avoid consuming it in excess.