The natural and vegan choice in sweetening undoubtedly means a supply of calories, but through something that the body recognizes as healthy and that incorporates and immediately turns into available energy .
It means less mood swings, reduced glycemic swing, enhancement of personal power to regain health and therefore self-esteem and respect for the parts that make up everything, from teeth to joints to thoughts, since we know that white sugar acts at the level of structure and energy level.
The harmful effects of white sugar
Among the damages of white sugar we underline above all those to the nervous system and the cardiovascular system .
Prolonged consumption of sugar creates serious glycemic disorders and can trigger what is called metabolic syndrome .
This condition often leads to diabetes and is characterized by elevated fasting blood sugar, large waist, high triglycerides, high blood pressure. This syndrome is linked to the oxidative stress that induces cellular damage and is one of the main factors in worsening the diabetic situation.
White sugar greatly damages the immune system. In particular we report the results of a research on the effect of refined sugar made in California in 1979, taken from the book by Martin Halsey, "A Light World".
The study shows that white blood cells in normal conditions are able to kill about 14 bacteria and how this potential is drastically reduced only five minutes after taking refined sugar. In summary, taking white sugar lowers our defenses, leaves us uncovered by possible bacterial attacks. Sugar is also the main cause of disorders such as osteoporosis.
From coconut to dates: extraordinary variations to sugar
Some are also cheap and all are absolutely healthy. Discovering these variations to sweeteners allows you to unleash your imagination in the kitchen and re-evaluate our concept of dessert.
By making it a habit to consume these natural sweeteners, sugar addiction will soon be recognized as bringing little benefit to our system.
Here are 8 of them with their properties.
Among the natural sweeteners, discover also palm sugar
1. The coconut and its variants for sweetening
The young coconut is rich in natural electrolytes; powdered coconut milk has an incredible velvety texture
The grated coconut is rich in fiber and good saturated fats, very versatile in the kitchen.
Coconut butter derives from the drying of the dried pulp, also called "copra", which has no cholesterol as a vegetable; among vegetable oils, coconut oil is among those that have the least amount of unsaturated fatty acids, therefore with minimal amounts of oleic acid.
2. l blueberry
Extraordinary antioxidant, the blueberry is also purifying the urinary and antioxidant system. They help in case of capillary fragility, for the circulation of the blood and for the sight. They improve bowel function and have positive effects on liver health .
Thanks to the content of antioxidants, blueberries help prevent the action of free radicals, responsible for aging and cellular degeneration at the base of many diseases, including cancer.
3. Maple syrup
Maple syrup (65% saccharose), together with malt (50% maltose) and honey , is an excellent sweetener. Rich in polyphenols and important nutrients, it is used to control weight gain .
4. Agave juice
Agave syrup is nothing but the sap of the cactus, composed of fructose and inulin; it is a powerful antitumor, it helps bones and the immune system. It has a very low glycemic index.
5. The dates
They are in fact polyvalent sweeteners and can be used in the preparation of various desserts. Dates have a high caloric intake but regularly consumed in moderate doses they can counteract hypercholesterolemia and improve digestion due to the high fiber content . They are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium.
6. Apricots
Rich in beta-carotene, apricots are rich in fiber and do not contain an excessive load of calories. They sweeten once chopped and are useful for losing weight and keeping hyperglycemia under control. They also have a strong antioxidant power, due to vitamin A, which helps to stem the effects of free radicals.
7. Figs
Rich in vitamin B3 and potassium, figs have a beneficial effect on skin, eyes, digestive system and cardiac apparatus. For Hindus and Buddhists, figs are the symbol of knowledge and truth. You can dry them, make them in jam, prepare a sauce by combining honey and cinnamon.
8. Stevia
Stevia is a seedling with a sweetening power superior to sugar, almost completely devoid of side effects. It can also be grown as a seedling on the balcony and once dried it can be chopped and used instead of sugar.
The sweetening plant is known as stevia rebaudiana, from Rebaudi, the discoverer of its sweetening properties. In fact, more than 150 species of stevia have been described in nature, but the rebaudiana is the only one to also have important sweetening properties .
It is commercially available as a sweetener without glucose or in liquid form as a concentrated extract. Will you believe that it is a sweetener that actually regulates the metabolism of sugars? Effective for coping with diabetes , overweight and other similar related ailments.
