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Sweet tooth! Who doesn’t have one? I do- and it’s a big big one! Every drink or treat you have contains quite a bit of white / refined sugar. Refined sugar as you may know, is not a healthy ingredient to be taken in. Some side effects of white sugar:
- Proven to feed cancer cells; ovarian cancer, breast cancer.
- Reduces the function of the immune system, by competing with the formation of Vitamin C.
- Increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Causes hormonal imbalance; increases estrogen formation in men,decreasing growth hormone.
- Assists in the growth of Candida yeast infections.
- The GI value of sugar is high.
Now, you definitely cannot unplug your sweet tooth. But you can use some great healthy alternatives:
COCONUT PALM SUGAR
Coconut sugar is naturally low on GI, unfiltered, unbleached and produces a slow energy release preventing the body from going through it’s highs and lows in insulin level. It’s primary source is Sucrose and contains 3-9% fructose. It is high in potassium, magnesium, zinc, B1, B2, B6 and C. My favorite one is Sweet tree organic coconut palm sugar http://bit.ly/TKhDRm
HONEY
It’s a natural energy booster which has been known for years to work as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, prevents yeast infection, cures hangovers, it is a great liver fuel; with a proportion of fructose and glucose as 1:1, fructose helps to activate the liver enzymes to convert into glucose into glycogen used during sleep or prolonged physical activity.It is a great cough suppressant and has a low GI as well.
YACON SYRUP
Yacon is a root vegetable found mostly in Andes, is similar to potatoes, but much sweeter. It has a low GI preventing hikes in insulin levels. It is also a prebiotic which aids good digestion, improves colon health, regulates friendly bacteria. Overall, it is a great sweetener with great intestinal benefits.
MAPLE SYRUP
The smoky amber liquid made from the sap of Amber tree is a great fix for your sweet tooth. It’s high in Magnesium and Zinc; working as a great anti-oxidant, and improves the function of Endothelial cells and prevents them from oxidized fats and LDL cholesterol.
BIG NO
There are certain sugar alternatives which may sound healthy but really aren’t:
Brown sugar: Is basically same as white sugar, only difference is they add Molasses to it.
Splenda / Equal / Sweet-n-low : All of them start from sugar and are converted into sucralose, also sometimes containing Aspartame which generally leaves residues in the liver and kidney causing long term damages; kidney failure, cancer risk and above all, the body doesn’t quite recognize huge loads of sucralose therefore it is unable to create digestive enzymes to process it.
You don’t have to lose your sweet tooth, but make sure to plug in the right one.
-Smriti
