Healthy Sugar Substitutes To Try Now

We know that too much refined sugar is bad for you, and artificial sweeteners can sometimes add calories to a meal. Instead of going cold (and sugarless) turkey, try some of these healthier sugar substitutions.

- Jill Schildhouse

Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at suppertime — while this popular song from the 1950s is more about love than white granules of sweetness, it perfectly describes the typical American diet. In fact, the average American consumes more than 126 grams of sugar per day (think: three 12-ounce cans of soda), which happens to be more than twice what the World Health Organization recommends for daily intake.

Countless studies reveal the incredibly addictive nature of sugar, which releases chemicals that set off the brain’s pleasure center — much like drugs. Plus, excess sugar negatively impacts weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure, and can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And don’t forget about chemical-laden high-fructose corn syrup, which is found in most packaged snacks and junk foods, and almost makes sugar look innocent.

“The reason high-fructose corn syrup is usually one of the first ingredients on the label of processed foods is because it is cheaper and sweeter than sugar,” says Alexandra Catalano, a holistic nutritionist and creator of the popular lifestyle brand Eat Cute. “High-fructose corn syrup is one of the most toxic foods we can consume. Not only does it contain chemical toxins like mercury, but it can cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Simply removing sugar from your diet and using natural sources of sweetness is truly the key to being your most vibrant and healthy self.”

So, how can you enjoy the foods you love without the risk of fatal diseases and poor health? By switching to less addictive and more natural options when it comes to sweet treats. Consider the following:

Monk Fruit Extract