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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Craving something sweet without the sugar crash? Switch to natural, healthy sugar alternatives that satisfy your taste buds and support your wellness goals.
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Derived from plant leaves, stevia is 200–300 times sweeter than sugar. It contains no calories, doesn’t spike blood sugar, and can be used for people with diabetes.
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It is made from coconut palm sap and has a low glycemic index when compared to refined sugar; it retains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and potassium. Use it in place of regular sugar to enjoy the sweetness.
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Packed with minerals, jaggery is less processed than white sugar and helps in digestion and detox. Use it in desserts for sweetness or with warm water for digestion.
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Raw honey contains antioxidants, enzymes, and trace minerals. It has antibacterial properties and makes a perfect sweetener for teas and salads.
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Blended dates or date syrup are whole-food alternatives that add fibre, iron, and sweetness. Perfect for smoothies, energy bars, or baking.
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Pure maple syrup is rich in antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc. It works great for drizzling over pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt.
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Monk fruit extract is a zero-calorie, low-carb sweetener made from a Southeast Asian fruit. It can be used for people on keto or have diabetes.
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It is mostly referred to liquid jaggery which is made from unrefined sugercane juice, known for its nutrient profile it is a good source of iron and other minerals.
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Ditching refined sugar doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. With these healthy sugar alternatives, you’ll enjoy guilt-free sweetness every day.
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