The low down on natural sugars – part 1

We all want to reduce the amount of sugar we eat, and and there are loads of alternative “natural” sugars to pick from.  When I go to the supermarket and read labels I am bombarded with terms like

  • fructose
  • whole can sugar
  • barley malt syrup
  • agave

and the list goes on.  So which is the best?

First its worth remembering there is no defintion of what is “natural” or regulation around how the term “natural” is used.  So basically anything can be termed “natural”.  So how do you decide what is the best alternative to sugar and what are the ones to avoid?

Firstly where ever possible rely on the natural sweetness of foods themselves rather than using sugar or artificial sweetners.  When cooking or preparing food consider adding

  • carrots
  • raisins
  • beetroot
  • dates
  • figs
  • roast parsnips
  • bananas

as natural sweetners.

Over the next two weeks I will give my thumbs up or thumbs down to a variety of “natural” sugars.

 

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