Sometimes, we just need things in life to be a bit sweeter. Whether it is that morning cup of coffee, or that tasty treat after dinner. Sugar has been the standard “go to” for sweetening things up a bit, however, it is not always the healthiest option. Did you know there are other alternatives to sugar? Here, we cover the benefits of cutting out sugar from your diet and we will explore healthier options.
If you are looking to jump start your weight loss, cut back on sugar! Diets high in sugar are connected to belly fat. When we have belly fat related to high sugar intake, this is called visceral fat. This can be dangerous to your health, as it is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet can also improve your oral health as it can prevent gum inflammation as well as cavities. If you are at risk for diabetes, or it runs in your family genes, considering cutting back on sugar is important. Eating too much sugar can create something called insulin resistance, which then results in sugar ending up in the bloodstream. Are you looking for brighter appearing skin? Cut back on that sugar! Too much sugar in your diet means your body is producing a lot of insulin, triggering hormonal changes that can cause skin problems. You may also slow down the aging process when you do so, slowing the overall appearance of wrinkles. If this all sounds good to you, but you are still grappling with the idea of losing a little sweetness in your day, stay with us as we review healthier options!
Stevia is a popular choice for a sweetener. Extracted from stevia leaves, this sweetener is pretty much calorie free. Some additional perks include lowering both blood pressure as well as blood sugar levels! Erythritol and xylitol are other popular low calorie sweeteners. They are the sugars that are found naturally in fruits. Yacon syrup is from a plant, and is another unique type of sweetener. Containing a high amount of soluble fiber, this sweetener feeds the good bacteria in your gut. It can prevent constipation and support weight loss. Lastly, monk fruit sweetener is free of calories and carbs. It can help improve blood sugar management and it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Sugar has been the typical pantry item to reach for when looking to sweeten things up. There are many benefits to reducing daily sugar intake. There are also several healthy alternatives to sugar to consider. Pick the one that you find to be the easiest transition from sugar, and you will quickly find yourself enjoying the benefits.
