The ill effects of added sugar are not unknown. But you can at least do away with those by using different healthier alternatives to your yummy bakes.
Processed sugar is the gateway to a lot of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also sometimes causes heart inflammation and liver complications. Baking is one such activity that sugar is widely used in. However, we most certainly cannot bid adieu to those scrumptious and mouth-watering cakes and cookies.
So here are 5 Best substitutes for processed sugar:
Honey
Honey is a great option to kick out sugar when baking. This golden nectar is not only natural and healthy but also heavenly. It adds a rich sweetness to any recipe. Try ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of white sugar while baking.
Maple Syrup
Using 100% maple syrup is also a wise call. Pure maple syrup is harvested directly from maple trees. It contains many antioxidants. Data published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that using readily available alternatives to refined sugar, like pure maple syrup, can increase your total antioxidant intake as much as eating a single serving of nuts or berries. It also has a lower glycemic index when compared to processed sugar.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar, derived from coconut palm sap, is yet another alternative to sugar. In addition to tasting more flavourful than processed sugar, it is also 10 times more healthy. It’s an easy one-to-one substitution for both white and brown sugar as it is crystallised in nature.
Agave
Agave is made from enzymatically treating and filtering sap from the heart of the agave plant. This is low on the glycemic index scale and doesn’t spike up your blood sugar levels when used in moderation. Agave may over-brown baked goods, hence decreasing the oven temperature by 25°F and increasing the baking time slightly saves your precious bakes. Use 2/3 cup of agave in place of 1 cup of white sugar in recipes, and reduce other liquids in the recipe by 1/4 to ⅓ cup.
Fruit concentrates
For recipes that call for a fruity flavour and taste, try using fruit concentrates. This is nothing but fruit with all its water removed. This option is as natural as it can possibly get. Make sure to reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe to avoid a soggy mess.
Happy Baking!