Have you heard of the 21-day habit-building theory? They say it takes 21 days to beat the old habit and form a new one. Hence, if you cut down carbs (including sugar) for 21 days, your brain is rewired, and there is a greater chance that your sugar craving will dissipate in a few days.
If you’re considering giving it a try, let’s first shed some light on the causes of sugar cravings:
- Childhood habit
- Emotional eating
- Lack of protein intake
- Not eating enough
- Hormone fluctuations
- Poor-quality sleep
This means we are often unaware of the sugar we consume. Hence, there is a dire need to take control of our sugar intake.
Need for a sugar alternative
Call it sugar addiction or not. It is always a combination of physiological, psychological, and economic factors that make people overindulge in sweetness today. And that’s a problem.
Extra sugar is low in nutrients and high in calories. That’s why we see a rapid rise in diabetic and obese patients. Due to these issues, the demand for sugar alternatives is growing in almost every corner of the world.
What drives the demand for sugar alternatives?
The AHA reports suggest that, On average, Americans in the US have 17 teaspoons of added sugars daily. AHA recommends limiting daily intake to less than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men.
Moreover, obesity in the U.S. is more prevalent than diabetes. Therefore, using natural and artificial sugar sweeteners in moderation is suggested to avoid undesirable health risks.
Let’s discuss the healthiest alternatives if you must have some sweetness in your diet. The market offers various options, and you’ll be amazed by the selection.
- Agave
- Raw Honey
- Syrups
- Coconut sugar
- Stevia
- Dates, raisins
- Apple sauce
All of them seem to be desired alternatives due to their natural sugar content and the fact that they’re sweet gifts by nature.
One of the most natural and highly preferred among the USA, and UK people is STEVIA. So, let’s understand this herb and whether it’s wise to buy it or not:
Stevia – Healthiest Sugar Alternative
If you can’t rely on sugar due to diabetes or blood sugar concerns, stevia is a great alternative. It’s a herb that is safe to use as a sugar substitute. So, try it yourself and experience the positive effects.
A small fact – Stevia is rapidly grown in South America and is extracted from the Rebaudiana plant. Now, let’s talk about why it’s a healthier and better option than others:
- Preserves dental health
No dental problems like cavities or tooth decay with this sweet substitute. It has minimal impact on dental health, making it a favorite sweetener.
However, it’s good to use it in a balanced manner to respect your lifestyle choices and maintain a healthy body index.
- Safe to use
The reason why so many people adore this sugar and proudly keep it on their kitchen shelves is that it’s 100% safe for consumption. It’s a blessing for those looking to cut down on sugar due to diabetes, obesity, or blood sugar issues.
What’s more? Stevia has been approved by several health organizations worldwide, including the WHO, FDA, and FSSAI.
- Low GI
Some food products with high GI (Glycemic Index) can spike blood sugar levels and create havoc in your system. Low GI also increases blood sugar but at a slow pace.
Stevia being a naturally drawn sugar has the lowest GI as opposed to other substitutes. So, it is always a wise choice for those who want to go with no-sugar food.
- Affordable & Palatable
Stevia may not be tasty with tea/coffee. But, when it comes to using it in hot dishes. It tastes just as delicious as if you added sugar. Just a small pinch of stevia added to pot dishes, soups, and gravies can enhance the flavors.
As for the price, it’s pretty economical. One can buy it in small sachets, drops, leaves, or powder as per your buying capacity.
Bottom Line
Also known as sweet tulsi, stevia is a great natural substitute but it’s important not to rely on it every day. Whether you use stevia, raisins, honey, or any sweetener try not to go overboard.
Despite Stevia’s multipurpose use, it’s recommended not to use it daily. Always check product labels and do your due diligence before buying as it might affect your health and daily lifestyle.
If you’ve used stevia before in drinks, desserts, or any dishes, let us know in the comments how you liked it.