Look After Yourself: 4 Sugar Alternatives That Are Beneficial for Your Body

Awareness of the negative impacts of white sugar has been rising for years, and millions worldwide have already switched to healthier sugar alternatives when possible. Global food industries now incorporate sugar even in basic consumer products like bread, making it necessary to switch to sugar substitutes when feasible. Here are some of the leading and most recommended sugar substitutes:

Not Just for Babies: Applesauce/Banana Puree

Whether you're looking for a sugar substitute for baking or just craving a sweet dessert, applesauce or banana puree makes an excellent sugar substitute that's high in dietary fibers, minerals, and essential vitamins. Banana puree is great for balancing blood pressure, but due to its high potassium level, it should not be consumed in large quantities. Those with liver or heart problems should avoid it. 

Stevia

The stevia plant is imported from South America, where it grows natively and is used to make the popular sugar substitute available in powder, capsule, and drop forms. The active compound in stevia is called 'stevioside,' which gives the plant its sweetness. 

In recent years, dietitians have favored stevia as a sugar substitute for diabetics, but despite its many benefits, it's not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure and issues with kidneys, heart, and liver. 

Coconut Sugar 

Coconut sugar is one of the more popular alternatives among vegans, but not only them. Coconut sugar comes in a liquid form after an evaporation process. It's excellent for healthy individuals because it contains many vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and vitamin B8, among others, but it's not recommended for individuals with blood pressure and heart problems to consume it in large amounts. 

Agave 

Agave syrup is derived from the agave plant (in English: Agave), which closely resembles the aloe vera plant and originates from Mexico and Central America. 

Agave is a yellowish liquid, and its greatest advantage is its low glycemic index, making it an excellent sugar substitute for diabetics. However, some claim that excessive consumption is harmful and causes conditions like obesity, as it contains 90% fructose.