This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Make no mistake, sugar is DEFINITELY a drug. It is your number one enemy. It is a man-made substance that was not designed by nature and was never meant to be consumed by humans… which is why it makes us so fat! The BEST way to get your sugar consumption down is to try to eliminate it from your diet altogether.
Sugar alternatives usually don’t cause as large a spike in insulin levels as refined sweeteners, so they’re less likely to contribute to insulin resistance and over burden your pancreas. They’re unrefined and have the naturally-occurring trace minerals present making them the best choice. Keep in mind these are still sugar and should only be eaten in moderation.
Stevia
Though it is 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar, stevia is not a sugar. Stevia is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in Paraguay and Southern Brazil. Please note that Stevia and Truvia are not the same thing. GI = 0-1
Raw honey
With antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, carbohydrates, and phytonutrients, raw, unprocessed honey is considered a superfood by many alternative health care practitioners and a remedy for many health ailments. Choose your honey wisely. There is nothing beneficial about processed honey. GI = 30
Coconut palm sugar
Originally made from the sugary sap of the Palmyra palm , the date palm or sugar date palm (Phoenix sylvestris). It’s also made from the sap of coconut palms. Coconut palm sugar is the new rage among health nuts. It’s often called “coconut nectar sugar” or “coconut sugar”. GI = 35
Date sugar
Date sugar is 100% dehydrated dates ground into small pieces. It is a whole food, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Date sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar or brown sugar cup for cup, but it does not dissolve in liquids. Most alternative health practitioners consider Date Sugar to be a healthy sugar alternative. GI = NOT RATED.
Maple syrup
Refined from sap, therefore a processed sugar. More nutritious than refined table sugar and high fructose corn syrup making them better choices. GI = 54.
Molasses
Refined from sap, therefore a processed sugar. However more nutritious than refined table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, making them better choices. GI = 55
Information taken from Cleaneatinglivingwell.com
So, could this be the answer? Nicknamed ‘sugar for diabetics’ it comes from India and is available in the UK now.