- Stevia: Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that contains Stevioside, a sweet compound that has been proven to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has sweetness similar to that of sugar. It does not raise your blood sugar or insulin levels.
- Erythritol: This is another sugar alcohol with few calories. It tastes almost identical to sugar, but doesn’t have the same harmful effects as regular sugar.
- Monk fruit sweetener: This is extracted from monk fruit, a small round fruit grown in Southeast Asia. Studies show that monk-fruit-sweetened beverages have minimal influence on your daily calorie intake, blood glucose levels, and insulin levels, compared with sucrose-sweetened beverages. Before consuming this sweetener, be sure to read the label. Many other sweeteners may contain monk fruit extract.
- Yacon syrup: The yacón plant is native to South America. It has a sweet taste with the consistency of molasses. It has many health benefits including reducing glycemic index, body weight, and the risk of colon cancer.
- Natural sweeteners: These are the most popular with health-conscious people. Natural sweeteners include coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and molasses. Keep in mind that natural sweeteners are still forms of sugar so they are only slightly less harmful than regular sugars.
READ: Here’s How Eating Too Much Sugar Affects Your Mental Health
Before making substitutions to your diet, it is best to consult with a doctor or dietician.