natural sweetenersAll Natural Sweeteners Used in Moderation

Continuing our series on the use of artificial sweeteners and sweetener substitutes brings us to all-natural sweeteners. While natural is always better than chemicals in our bodies, there is still a danger if we are not careful to use sweets in moderation. Still, even in the world of all-natural safe sweeteners – some are safer than others are. Let us take a look of some of the alternatives available to artificial sweeteners.

 Keeping It Real                          

One of the biggest issues is the false labeling on our shelves. It can be so hard to know what “Real” means. Even the word “Natural” can mean just about anything and even some people like to say something is “organic” just because a few of their ingredients may be organic. This in no way means that all of them are or that the product is better for you or safer than a truly 100% natural and organic product! Be diligent to read carefully! Real maple syrup without any added flavoring can be a nice way to add a little flavor and sweetness to recipes, whole grain cereal, and bread. Just make sure there is no corn syrup, added flavors, and that the label says it is 100% maple syrup. If your maple syrup is organic and local – even better! Raw organic honey comes with the same concerns. Make sure it is raw, 100% honey, and try to get it local when possible. Raw honey has all its natural enzymes still alive and well. Cooked, pasteurized honey will rot your teeth! Raw honey is much better for you, and strengthens your immune system. When you buy it local, it has the amazing ability to help you build up antibodies against seasonal allergies! Having it on hand in your medicine cabinet is great for those scrapes and bumps too! Stevia has a unique flavor that some feel is too strong. Others love its earthy licorice flavor! Again, make sure it’s 100% plant extract and free from additives.

Unusual Alternatives

Blackstrap molasses is not really unusual, but not many people think of it as sweet. However, in baking and spread on whole grain bread or added to sauces, it takes on a very rich sweet flavor. Blackstrap also offers a nice boost of iron, and many people use it as a natural supplement. Yacon syrup has been showing favorable results in studies for its effects on weight loss as well as those suffering from diabetes! It doesn’t bring up those sugar levels like other alternative sugars can. That is great news for anyone trying to watch their sugar intake! Watch those labels for pure yacon from the yacon plant. There are so many alternatives out there. Simply adding dried fruit to your muffins or trading applesauce for oil in a cake recipe can add a sweetener and make it healthier! Baking without sugar – What FUN! Next post we will wrap up with some tips and tricks on baking without sugar.

Alternatives & Resources

  • Find more all-natural sugar substitutes at Body Unburdened
  • Check out all the other good stuff in the sweeteners mentioned and more at Mind Body Green
  • Read more from The Ecologist and find where you can get some of these yummies
iGOZEN is a philosophy and a way of life. Our lives thrive on balance and harmony both from within and with our surroundings. Often our inner conditions are a reflection of our outer lives and vice versa. This is also why you are careful of what you put in your body and what you expose your loved ones too. We hope you enjoy our articles and posts as much as we enjoy writing them for you. Feel free to grab a sample of our chemical-free, organic Fruit/Veg Wash or Everyday Cleaner.