If like me you have a sweet tooth you will know there is no way you are going to be able to cut sugar out of your diet altogether, but you probably also know that if you continue eating so much sugar you will continue on the roller coaster of crashes, energy rushes, bellyaches and even more cravings for sweet treats!

A scary statistic is that the modern American currently eats more sugar in one day than his ancestors did during their entire lives! When found in nature, sweet foods are not only a source of easy energy – they also contain minerals and nutrients that has been completely refined away in most modern sweeteners.

Whilst all sweeteners should be used sparingly and you should always aim to limit your intake first, but if you do have to give into that sugar craving then the natural sweeteners listed below will ensue you get some vitamins and nutrients instead of just empty calories and a sugar rush!

Organic Agave nector is rich in a naturally occurring pre-biotic fiber called inulin. Inulin promotes healthier digestion and the absorption of minerals like calcium. Nectave is 25% sweeter than sugar so it helps you save calories and its low glycemic index reduces erratic blood sugar levels.

Organic Maple syrup originates from sugar maples which brilliant red leave have become a symbol of Canada. Maple trees are tapped for sap, which is then boiled down into a sugar or dehydrated into granules, using similar methods to that used by the early colonists. Grade A maple syrup is lighter, milder and comes from early pressings, and Grade B is darker, stouter, comes later in the year and is much better for you.

 

Organic Fairtrade molasses is extracted during the process of refining sugar cane sugar production. Similar to maple syrup it comes in different strengths, Sweet or “Barbados” molasses comes from the first press and is light and tangy; bittersweet Blackstrap molasses comes from the last press and is much stronger and darker with more minerals like calcium and iron.