Healthy Sweetener Options
Refined sugar is incredibly harmful, and artificial sweeteners are just as bad if not WORSE for humans depending on who you talk to. For this reason, clean eaters are looking for healthy alternatives, and the GOOD NEWS is that there are many low-calorie, low glycemic, whole, organic, nutrient-dense sweeteners on the market that taste just as good.
Best Natural Sweeteners
Pure Raw Honey
Honey will not spoil or rot, it can crystallize over time, but do not mistake this for it going bad. If honey does crystallize, simply loosen the lid and let the jar sit in hot water, as this will allow the honey to liquefy naturally. It is important not to heat honey in a microwave as it will kill the beneficial enzymes. It also stops the growth of bacteria, and when used topically, it heals wounds & minor burns. It relieves sore throats and is touted for its ability to treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Pure Maple Syrup
Pure Maple Syrup is the product of the sap from sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees, and should not be confused with ordinary syrup made with high fructose corn syrup and imitation maple flavorings. Healthy sweetening foods can be tricky to find if you’re trying to clean up your diet, but researchers have found that the compounds contained in pure maple syrup offer cancer prevention benefits, and the ability to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells. These cancer-fighting properties are greater if the syrup is dark in color. Another benefit of pure maple syrup is that it has been found effective in lowering blood glucose levels.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap Molasses is a sweetener that is a healthful sweetener that contains significant amounts of a variety of minerals that promote your health. Unlike refined white sugar and corn syrup, which are stripped of virtually all nutrients except simple carbohydrates. It is also much better than artificial sweeteners like saccharin or aspartame, which not only provide no useful nutrients but have been shown to cause health problems in sensitive individuals. Blackstrap is darker than other versions and adds a distinct flavor to foods. Molasses supplies energy to your body in the form of simple sugars, or carbohydrates that are readily absorbed by your digestive system providing a quick burst of energy to fuel your activities. Consuming decent amounts of the correct carbohydrates spares your dietary protein, so it can support the maintenance of muscle mass as well as other protein needs. The carbohydrates in molasses also help your body during strenuous physical exertion. Some people have even said that taking blackstrap molasses regularly can prevent your hair from going gray too early and that it can change graying hair back to its original color.
Coconut Palm Sugar
Navitas Naturals Coconut Palm Sugar is an ideal replacement for regular sugar. It’s low-glycemic, has a wonderful brown sugar flavor, that works well for baking. It also dissolves easily in hot and cold liquids. A sweet bonus: coconut sugar’s nutritional profile includes amino acids, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins, and it is low on the glycemic index so it enters the bloodstream more slowly to help curb blood sugar spikes!
Lucuma Powder
Lucuma Powder offers an abundance of healthy benefits when added to your favorite food or beverage. In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, this powdered all-natural, organic sweetener is also gluten-free and an amazing source of antioxidants to boost the immune system, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals necessary for bodily functions. I use Navitas Naturals Lucuma Powder, which is made from whole Peruvian lucuma fruit that they dry at low temperatures and mill into a fine powder. It is also a is low-glycemic sweetener like Coconut Palm Sugar, contains many nutrients including beta-carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium, and protein, and has a unique, maple-like taste that’s perfect for a variety of recipes. Lucuma provides 14 essential trace elements, including a considerable amount of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Studies have shown it has anti-inflammatory effects and is wonderful for wound healing, promoting tissue regeneration, and skin aging.
Monk Fruit
Apart from being a healthy and safe sugar substitute, Monk Fruit is widely used for the treatments of whooping cough, constipation, acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, sore throats, cute gastritis, etc. Different parts of Monk Fruit have different medicinal uses. The mashed root is able to help psoriasis & boils, while external use of the fruit hair can be used for wounds. Monk Fruit tea can be a cool refreshing drink that can prevent respiratory infections, and provide longevity if used on a daily basis. In addition, the monk fruit concentrate and extract are often utilized as a condiment to make nourishing stew, broth, cakes, candy, cookies, granules, syrups, fruit essence, cough syrup, and so on.
Stevia
Stevia is a sweetener that has become immensely popular in recent years. Stevia is a 100% natural, zero-calorie sweetener with a number of health benefits that have been confirmed in human studies. It is a green, leafy plant that is native to South America and has been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. The plant has also been bred for its strong, sweet flavor and used as a sweetener. Stevia comes in either liquid or a powder, or a version of the plant’s isolated sweet compounds, that are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.
At Mercer Island Chiropractic, we understand that healthy eating is a cornerstone of overall wellness. The science of healthy eating revolves around providing your body with the right balance of nutrients to function optimally. A nutritious diet can help maintain a healthy weight, boost your immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By understanding the principles of healthy eating, you can make informed food choices that support your health and enhance your quality of life.
Healthy eating begins with a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals ensures that you receive essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining bodily functions, supporting energy levels, and promoting mental clarity. At Mercer Island Chiropractic, we provide personalized nutritional guidance to help you create a balanced diet that meets your specific health needs and goals.
The benefits of healthy eating extend beyond physical health. Proper nutrition is also crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Certain foods have been shown to improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By prioritizing a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, you can support brain health and emotional stability. Our team at Mercer Island Chiropractic is committed to helping you understand the connection between diet and mental health, offering practical advice to incorporate mood-boosting foods into your daily routine.
In addition to providing nutritional guidance, Mercer Island Chiropractic emphasizes the importance of mindful eating. Mindful eating involves paying attention to what you eat, savoring each bite, and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. This practice can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, prevent overeating, and improve digestion. We encourage our patients to practice mindful eating as part of their overall wellness strategy, fostering a positive and balanced approach to nutrition.
Our holistic approach to health at Mercer Island Chiropractic integrates chiropractic care with nutritional support to promote optimal well-being. By addressing both your spinal health and dietary habits, we aim to create a comprehensive wellness plan that supports all aspects of your health. Whether you are looking to manage a specific health condition, enhance your energy levels, or simply improve your overall diet, our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need. Experience the transformative power of healthy eating and holistic care at Mercer Island Chiropractic.
