Rumour has it that there is no such thing as good sugar. While that may be true, there is no stopping you from getting on the ‘sweet train’ by opting for healthy alternatives to it.

The main problem with sugar is its fructose content, known to increase blood pressure (high glycemic index raises blood sugar levels quite fast), cholesterol, and glycosylated hemoglobin (an indicator of diabetes). Healthy sweeteners often bring equivalent if not more fructose content, so you are better off choosing organic alternatives to replace sugar altogether.

Some people will be surprised to learn that eating too much sugar can actually cause tiredness and fatigue. It is supposed to increase energy levels, make you hyper, right? No. The negative carbs in sugar metabolize vitamins and minerals (particularly essential minerals and B Vitamins) in your body while giving nothing back of equal import. Result: poor health value, temporary energy spike, no nutrition afterwards, fatigue.

Bottom-line is avoid sweeteners and sugar altogether and opt for other foods to bring that yummy appeal to your snacks and meals. What are these amazing alternatives?

1. Maple Syrup

Granted it still contains fructose, but the levels are low while sucrose content is a good 70%. In addition to containing antioxidants, sucrose is not fructose’s partner in health crime.

It does not bring the same negative side effects. Maple syrup is basically extracted from maple trees , which is then boiled down and filtered in sugar factories.

1. Known to prevent inflammatory diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis, maple syrup contains plant-based compounds called polyphenols, which are antioxidants, that pack a big health punch.
2. Compared to processed sweeteners, maple syrup causes much less bloating, gas, and indigestion.
3. Zinc and manganese in maple syrup ward off common ailments like cold or flu.

From protecting immunity cells to promoting anti-inflammatory properties, maple syrup is one of the best sugar alternatives you will find.

2. Honey

This is an expected addition to our list. Honey is sweet, all-natural, and healthy in every way you can imagine. There is not a single thing about it that is bad for your health, except for the fact that it is nearly half fructose.

Raw honey is the better version of processed honey. This sweet thing needs little to no processing anyway. Broken down into simple sugars by bees and stored in honeycombs, you can quite literally eat it direct from the comb; it is that natural and healthy to consume.

1. Packing 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon, honey enters your bloodstream and promotes ideal energy.
2. From its ability to relieve coughs to how it can act as an exceptional anti-inflammatory source, honey can also alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms; it is better than a vaccine in this regard.
3. It prevents cellular damage, especially against brain cells. Honey therefore acts as a memory booster, capable of battling hormone-related intellectual decline. By helping the body absorb calcium more efficiently, honey promotes brain health like few other substances out there.
4. By increasing healthy amounts of insulin and releasing serotonin, honey works as a sleeping aid. This is why people add a couple of teaspoons to a glass of warm milk before they hit the sheets. It also contains the amino acid tryptophan, known to wholesomely induce sleep.

Honey is, to all intents and purposes, an herbal antibiotic that can work both externally and internally to promote health and be an outstanding replacement for sugar.

Conclusion

Just with these two options, namely maple syrup and honey, you have a world of possibilities where health and nutrition are concerned. Aside from being organic and natural, sugar alternatives like these two are a great way to turn your life around without losing that singular sweetness you may have gotten used to in your meals and snacks.

Honey has always been available in stores and online shopping portals with maple syrup making a gradual entry onto the same shelves. You can conveniently shift to a healthier form of sweetness, which will do your health and peace of mind some good.