Diwali 2024: Use These Sugar Substitutes
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Who wouldn't want to savour a bowl of the sweet dish that is so delicious? Everyone loves a bowl of mithai, whether mum cooks it from scratch or it is brought in from a store outside. After a grand dinner, a satisfying dessert is like the cherry on top. Serotonin, the hormone that makes people joyful, is released by sugar. However, sweets, whether one likes to admit it or not, are bad for your health.

Despite the place sweets hold in lives, one is never over indulge in them without a dilemma. Is it better to give up cravings? No. As sugar can be replaced with a healthy natural substance that tastes just as nice without endangering your health. Natural sweeteners are undoubtedly a safer alternative to adding excessively processed white sugar to your food.

Gudmar

Ayurvedic practitioners highly regard the common herb for its invaluable therapeutic qualities. Gymnemic acid, a strong bioactive chemical found in gudmar leaves, suppresses sugar's taste by interacting with taste receptors on the tongue. Gudmar is a wood-climbing shrub that reduces sugar cravings. It is a great sugar substitute utilised in many different food products and widely used in the treatment of diabetes.

Honey 

Rich in taste and filled with health benefits, honey is nature's version of the "golden elixir." It has minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote general health. Use honey to sweeten baked products, sweets, and drinks for natural sweetness.

Maple Syrup 

Made from the sap of maple trees, maple syrup is a delicious sugar alternative that tastes distinctly rich and caramel-like. It is rich in antioxidants, zinc and manganese. Drizzle maple syrup over waffles, pancakes, or yoghurt parfaits for a sweet and healthy treat.

Dates

Dates are a naturally occurring sweet treat that are incredibly delicious and sweet. Their high fibre, vitamins, and mineral content make them a wholesome substitute for refined sugar. Dates can be ground into a paste for smoothies, energy balls, or homemade granola bars to give them a naturally sweet, chewy feel.

Stevia 

The natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant is called stevia. It tastes sweet without raising blood sugar levels, making it a great option for people who are looking to limit their sugar intake. Add stevia powder or liquid to baked products, sauces, and beverages for a guilt-free treat.

Coconut Sugar

Made from the sap of coconut palm plants, coconut sugar is a tasty substitute for refined sugar. It contains potassium, zinc, and iron minerals and tastes like caramel. Try substituting coconut sugar in your favourite cookie, muffin, or brownie recipes for a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavour.