Natural Sugar Substitutes Keep You Healthy

Learn about natural sweeteners which are healthier and do not involve any processing like white sugar that would cause environmental pollution.

Our daily diets always include sugar in one form or the other, which is indeed necessary for our body. Sometimes, it will be in the form of fruits, and some other time, it will be sweets, cookies, chocolates, cakes and smoothies. But, fruits, as we all know, are of fewer calories and the natural sugar contained in them is not harmful to the body, compared to sweetened products. The sweetened products available in the market are usually made out of synthetic sugar, which is hard to be processed and eliminated by the body, and it gets deposited in the body as fat.

Also, there are serious problems linked with too much consumption of sugar including obesity, imbalance in blood sugar levels, heart diseases, arthritis etc. One cannot completely exclude sugar from their diet, but can replace the synthetic sugar with natural sugar substitutes, thereby keeping the fitness of the body.

The natural sugar substitutes are healthier and do not involve any processing like white sugar that would cause environmental pollution. They are widely available in the market and are not much expensive. Some of the healthy sweeteners have been discussed below. Any of these natural sugar substitutes can be included in your diet and you can stay healthy and fit.

Agave Nectar

Agave Nectar is made out of blue agave plant seen in Southern Mexico. 90 percent of agave nectar is composed of fructose and it is sweeter than the usual table sugar and hence can be used in a lower quantity.

Stevia

Stevia is made from the stevia rebaudiana plant extract and is said that it has no carbohydrates, no calories and very safe to use. It requires only a very small amount of stevia for sweetening as it is around 300 times sweeter than regular sugar.

Brown Rice Syrup

When rice is cultured with enzymes, starch contained in the rice breaks down and results in the formation of rice syrup. As brown rice syrup is contained with soluble complex carbohydrates, it gets digested within two or three hours after intake. The evaporation of this syrup results in the formation of rice syrup powder.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup is also a natural sugar substitute and is also an antioxidant. The darker B grade maple syrup is contained with more minerals than the A grade one.

Honey

Honey is a natural sugar substitute and sweeter than sugar. It has high calories and carbohydrates compared to refined sugar. According to reports, raw honey is composed of enzymes, minerals and B-complex vitamins.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a low calorie, sugar alcohol which is a natural sugar substitute. The one advantage of xylitol is that, it is absorbed slowly and will not add in a rise in blood sugar level in the body.

ZSweet

ZSweet is an ideal sugar substitute for sugar substitutes as it does not increase glucose level in the body. It is of zero calorie and tastes like refined sugar. It is produced from erythritol which is cultured from sugar and natural plant extracts.

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6 Health Benefits Of Honey

Honey is one of nature's rarities: a food that actually fills you up with wholesome properties and leaves you without cravings.

From the moment that bees start to produce honey, it is physically engineered to create enzymes and other health properties that have earned it the reputation as a leader in whole foods. GFM honey and Manuka honey and virtually every other form of whole food are essential to an organic diet, and they feature a number of benefits to back up their reputations.

1. Honey is more filling than other alternatives. 
Many foods may fill you up, but with all the additives included, they ultimately work against your health because they have you craving more just a few hours later. Honey's nutritional properties hang with you for a longer amount of time making your diet something that works for you instead of against you.

2. Honey satisfies the natural craving for sweets in a healthier way. 
No matter how strong you think you are when it comes to sweets, you will eventually get the urge to dip in to some chocolate or some other sugary form of goodness. With honey, however, the craving is subsided without all the empty calories and weight gain. The naturally sweet properties of the substance act as an enzyme-creating fuel that satisfies the natural urge in a good way.

3. Honey generates heat. 
This benefit is an especially appealing one as the weather turns cold and you find your body shivering more from the elements. Incorporating honey into your diet helps your body to warm the blood in such a way that can actually produce savings on energy costs and effectiveness. For those with thin blood, honey is a natural boost that should not be left out as the days grow shorter.

4. Honey creates and renews energy. 
Athletes often prefer to make honey a part of their training and diet regimen as it has been known to supply the body with new energy through its natural carbohydrates. In addition to this, it can help the body to more quickly replenish energy after a good workout.

5. Honey is germicidal. 
Not only does it taste good and make a nice addition to the diet, honey is also beneficial when it comes to fighting against germs. Unlike milk, a breeding ground for germs, honey is able to stave off bacteria and result in a healthier you.

6. Honey can improve human digestion. 
Improving the digestion process means greater regularity and less risk of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. By coating the intestine and fighting off bacteria in the tract, this substance is one of the great natural forms of internal medicine. While it may not cure all of your ills, it will put you on the fast track to a healthier lifestyle.

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5 Most Popular Strawberry Smoothie Recipes

Strawberries are sometimes are referred to as the "queen of fruits". Rich in Vitamin C, calcium and iron, you have a lot of health benefits to gain just by consuming strawberries. This low-calorie, high-fiber super food is known to help boost short term memory, promote bone and eye health, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent cancer. On top of that, strawberries also have powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

And because they contain a good amount of anthocyanins which give them the red color, strawberries also stimulate the burning of stored fat in the body! A nutrition powerhouse and a great weight loss aid, it's no wonder why any strawberry smoothie recipe would top anyone's best smoothie list!

If you love using strawberries for your healthy smoothies, here the 5 most popular strawberry smoothie recipes you can try:

1. Classic Strawberry Smoothie

The Classic Strawberry smoothie is a popular breakfast choice. It's creamy, citrus-infused mix will jumpstart your energy levels at the beginning of the day and will also keep your tummy filled until lunchtime. Definitely a strawberry smoothie to try!

What you need:

6 fresh or frozen strawberries

1 medium banana

1 cup plain non-fat yogurt

1/2 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice

3-4 ice cubes

2. Strawberry-Kiwi Combo

Rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols, this strawberry smoothie is designed to help fight off diseases and keep your health in check. This delicious high-fiber concoction also helps curb your cravings and keep you feeling full longer. One of the best healthy smoothie recipes that helps you lose weight!

What you need:

5 fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 ripe banana

1 small kiwi fruit, sliced

1 1/4 cups fresh apple juice

1 1/2 tsp. honey

3-4 ice cubes

3. All Berries Mix

Like strawberries, other berries such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in essential nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. Boost your energy and promote healthy weight loss with a glass of this delightful berry fusion!

What you need:

3-4 fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 cup berry mix (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

1/2 cup low-fat yogurt (any flavor)

Juice of 2 limes

3-4 ice cubes

4. Lumpy Strawberry Delight

Worried about your sugar intake? This sugar-free strawberry smoothie is a must try! It's rich in vitamins, minerals and protein that will instantly boost your energy. Turn a bad day around with this irresistible healthy smoothie recipe!

What you need:

1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries

1 cup skim milk

1 tbsp. pumpkin or sunflower seeds

1 tbsp. cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil

5. Tropical Strawberry Splash

One of the most flavorful healthy smoothie recipes around, this filling smoothie mix makes a good post-workout drink. It's extremely hydrating, refreshing and energizing - not to mention mouth-watering!

What you need:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

2 small ripe bananas, sliced

1/2 cup pineapple slices

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

3-4 ice cubes

Try any of these healthy smoothie recipes for a stronger, more energized body. These strawberry smoothie recipes will definitely make you fall in love with the fruit more!

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