Refined sugar is seen as a culprit for spiking blood sugar levels. Most people are aware about the health benefits of tea and coffee. Coffee contains antioxidants and is effective in preventing weight gain and diabetes.
However, these health benefits amount to zero if you are adding spoonfuls of sugar to every cup.
To reap the benefits of coffee while still being able to have it sweet enough for your taste, here are a few things you can substitute it with.
Honey
People usually savour honey in tea as it makes for the perfect combination. However, not many know that it can also be added to coffee and it will taste just as good. The health benefits of honey are multifold and they make it worthy enough to incorporate into your diet, even if it is not used in coffee. However, using it in coffee comes with varied benefits too.
Coconut sugar
People drink coconut juice for hydration, coconut oil is used for cooking, coconut milk is used by those who are lactose intolerant. Now, coconut sugar is gaining momentum. This sugar substitute has a low glycemic index. However, the fructose content is almost the same as sugar. Also, the coconut sugar gives off a slight taste of coconut. While it is an advantage for some, others get put off by it.
Maple syrup
This sweet syrup is not just for your pancakes but can be used in many things and that includes your coffee too. It serves as a great sugar syrup, even during colder seasons. However, you need to be very careful while picking your maple syrup. Make sure you pick the one which has not been diluted with high fructose corn syrup or you will lose on the health benefits.
Agave
Agave nectar is a natural sweetener which is derived from cacti. For some time, it was popular among health fanatics and then it got slammed because of the high levels of fructose. However, it also has a low glycemic index. According to a study which involved patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that a high glycemic index contributed to the disease. As of now, there is a lack of conclusive research on whether or not fructose poses any health risks.
Stevia
While many people think that stevia is artificial, it is important to note that it is actually not. It mostly comes in powdered form but is actually a plant derivative from the Stevia rebaudiana. Unlike most sugar substitutes, Stevia does not leave behind a weird aftertaste.
