Four Sugar Swaps That Still Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

We all know refined sugar is bad for you and should be consumed sparingly. However, giving up sugar completely just isn’t an option for some of us. With all of the sugar substitutes out there and news stories reporting how harmful some can be, what is the best option? We’ve compiled a list of sugar substitutes that are a little bit “healthier” to help you avoid an emergency dentist visit.

Stevia

Stevia, a natural plant indigenous to South America, is the main ingredient in the popular sweetener Truvia, SweetLeaf, and other generic brands. Stevia is made with little-to-no chemical additives. Some people think it has a slight metallic aftertaste.

Raw Honey

Not only is raw honey all natural, but it also contains antibacterial properties, especially in the darker varieties. Its molecular structure is also similar to glucose, making it easy for your body to break down and digest.

Organic Maple Syrup

If you can find organic maple syrup that isn’t packaged with corn syrup, organic maple syrup can be an excellent sugar substitute. This sweetener isn’t for everything though and probably should only be used for items that benefit from its natural flavor like oatmeal.

Xylitol

Known as a sugar alcohol, xylitol is made from birch and is often used in sugar-free foods for diabetics. Xylitol should only be used in moderation because it has been found to cause GI distress in some people. On the plus side, xylitol doesn’t cause tooth decay like table sugar.

While there are plenty of sugar substitutes available, they are not created equal. Some sweeteners you should avoid are aspartame, agave, sucralose, and high-fructose corn syrup. In moderation, natural sugar and sugar substitutes are acceptable, just remember to be mindful of what you are eating, keeping your teeth healthy and your dentist happy. Do you have any questions? Contact our office today, we’re happy to help.