SUGAR ALTERNATIVES
All sugars should be consumed in moderation.
MANUKA HONEY
STEVIA
Converting Granulated Sugar to Stevia Powder Extract
1/2 cup sugar =1/8 tsp Stevia
3/4 cup sugar = 1/5 tsp Stevia
1 cup sugar = 1/4 tsp Stevia
*Adapting recipes and baked goods to stevia may take several trials.
Sources: Wholeliving.com: Best Sugar Substitutes
Tacanow.org
XYLITOL
RAW AGAVE NECTAR
If you decide to use agave, only buy raw agave nectar. Many brands of agave nectar are highly refined, containing almost 100 percent fructose, which is a higher percentage than that found in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). I (Leah) am not a big fan of agave and don't use it.
NOTE: The Weston A. Price Foundation does NOT approve of agave.
Here is the link - http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-foods/agave-nectar-worse-than-we-thought
WARNING! If you are pregnant you should use agave with caution, as some species of agave contain anordin and dinordin steroids, which can lead to a miscarriage.
Sources: Wholeliving.com: Best Sugar Substitutes
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400431/Is-Agave-Nectar-Any-Good.html
MANUKA HONEY
- Known as the 'healing honey' for its therapeutic qualities
- Provides you with powerful, natural, antibiotic and antiseptic properties
- It is good for digestive problems and peptic and stomach ulcers, or externally, for cuts / wounds and leg ulcers
- Studies have shown Manuka Honey, can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, a contributing factor in many digestive problems
STEVIA
- Will not effect blood sugar levels like sugar does
- 250 to 300 times sweeter than sugar
- Heat stable to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Non-fermentable
- Plaque retardant anti-caries (prevents cavities)
- Recommended for diabetics (always check with your doctor first)
Converting Granulated Sugar to Stevia Powder Extract
1/2 cup sugar =1/8 tsp Stevia
3/4 cup sugar = 1/5 tsp Stevia
1 cup sugar = 1/4 tsp Stevia
*Adapting recipes and baked goods to stevia may take several trials.
Sources: Wholeliving.com: Best Sugar Substitutes
Tacanow.org
XYLITOL
- Pure xylitol is a naturally occuring carbohydrate
- It primarily comes from corn or hardwoods such as birch (many brands use corn from China) Information on birch xylitol - http://www.truth-about-birch-xylitol.com/Information
- It has the same sweetness as sugar (sucrose)
- Provides one third fewer calories than sugar
- Helps reduce the development of dental caries
- Reduces plaque formation
- Increases salivary flow to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel
- Xylitol also has a low glycemic index (7) and has little effect on blood sugar levels. May be useful as a sugar alternative for people with diabetes (on the advice of a healthcare provider)
- Reduces H. pylori and the growth of strep (xylitol reduces the acidity level of saliva making it a less favorable environment for strep)
- Can reduce ear and sinus infections
RAW AGAVE NECTAR
If you decide to use agave, only buy raw agave nectar. Many brands of agave nectar are highly refined, containing almost 100 percent fructose, which is a higher percentage than that found in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). I (Leah) am not a big fan of agave and don't use it.
NOTE: The Weston A. Price Foundation does NOT approve of agave.
Here is the link - http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-foods/agave-nectar-worse-than-we-thought
WARNING! If you are pregnant you should use agave with caution, as some species of agave contain anordin and dinordin steroids, which can lead to a miscarriage.
Sources: Wholeliving.com: Best Sugar Substitutes
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400431/Is-Agave-Nectar-Any-Good.html
