Alternative Sweeteners

Alternative sweeteners

If I haven’t convinced you already, over-consumption of white, refined sugar is a real problem today. It lowers the immune system, adds to glycemic overload in the bloodstream, and it makes people put on way too many pounds – just to name a few. There are several sweet alternatives that are better for you. This does not give you the green light to overindulge, however - everything in moderation.

Agave Nectar is a sweetener obtained from the agave cactus (and you thought the only good thing that came from a cactus was Tequila). It is sweeter than sugar so don’t overdo it. It is low on the glycemic index and is found in liquid form. It is a better alternative for diabetics than white refined sugar because it doesn’t spike your blood sugar as table sugar. I love to use it to sweeten homemade vinaigrette, and I found vanilla agave nectar to use in my favorite weekend treat – vanilla, soy latte.

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol extracted from birch trees, raspberries, plums, and corn. It has the same sweet taste and texture as sugar – I really don’t notice an aftertaste at all. Xylitol has shown in studies that it may even prevent tooth decay. Xylitol also does not cause blood sugar spikes. Consumers beware; it could act as a laxative when consumed in large quantities. It is a bit expensive though. Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of Xylitol every day. Practice moderation here. I use it in baking.

Bees make this delicious thick, syrupy goodness called honey. Honey comes in different flavors depending on the flower the nectar comes from. Honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Honey should not be fed to children under 1 because it may contain very small amounts of bacteria, which others should have no problem consuming. One of my faves is toast w/ peanut butter and honey.