Sugar Alternatives

Sugar Alternatives

      Using any sweetener on a daily basis isn't the best option, but for healthier alternatives to sugar there are a number of choices. For baking I use mostly palm sugar, grade B pure maple syrup, and occasionally brown rice syrup and barley malt. I also use Stevia.

      Palm sugar is like raw cane sugar in taste and texture. It can be used in equal amounts in recipes, and is low on the Glycemic Index.

      Pure, grade B maple syrup is not as processed as grade A, which makes it easier to digest, and lower on the Glycemic Index. Most maple syrups sold in grocery stores are grade A, mixed with corn syrup to cut the cost. Corn syrup, is very high on the Glycemic Index, and causes insulin insensitivity, for all blood types except blood type A, setting people up for weight gain and diabetes. Pure, grade B, maple syrup is a healthier choice.

      Brown rice syrup is comparable to a mild, light corn syrup, in consistency and taste. I look for it on labels if buying milk alternatives or baked products, instead of buying the products with cane juice. I occasionally use brown rice syrup for baking, in recipes that call for corn syrup. 

      Barley malt is like a mild molasses. It used to be available in liquid form, lately I have just seen it in crystals. I use it for a molasses substitute.

      Agave used to be a great sweetener, until it became so popular. At that point they started using a different part of the plant to make it. It is now higher on the Glycemic Index than sugar.

      Honey also used to be a wonderful sweetener, and still is most places in the world. Unfortunately, in the western United States it is no longer the best option. Originally  there were a different type of bees east and west of the  Allegheny Mountains, until someone got the bright idea to breed them. Cross breeding resulted in a diminished immune system, leaving them susceptible to a certain type of mite. The bees were dying. To kill the mite, the bees are now fed sugar water with antibiotics. When we ingest this type of honey, we are ingesting sugar and  antibiotics, which adversely effects our immune systems.

      Xylitol is now used for many gums and mints. It can cause what the Chinese refer to as 'damp heat' in the body, which can increase heat, sweating,and contribute to yeast and bladder infections, in some individuals. 

     Stevia has been used in other countries for some time, a great alternative to artificial sweeteners. It is available in several forms, a white powder concentrate, clear or brown liquid, and a green powder, which is the dried leaf. Most forms aren't good for baking or cooking, the exception being the dried, green form, which I use when cooking soups or sauces. the other forms are great for use in liquids, cold or raw foods. 

      I use many of these sweeteners in various recipes on my blog. Most Health Food stores have recipes and cooking classes using them. And most of these stores are happy to introduce people to these products, and their uses, if just asked. 

       

                                                                Health & Happiness,

                                                                     Nancy Burton, L.Ac,

                                                                             534 Washington St. Ashland, OR 97520

                                                                             For Appointments Call:   541-646-0134