Sugar is the new tobacco – it’s addictive, and dangerous, and it’s considered by some to be one of the major causes of obesity and heart disease. So it’s makes sense that we should try to avoid it. You can read more about sugar, here. 

But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s going to be hard to wean yourself off sugar. 

So here are some natural sweeteners to add to your cup of tea instead of using refined cane sugar. 

• Honey

While it’s still a form of sugar, honey does have health benefits, and it’s a great natural sweetener. Avoid the mass market brands that are heavily pasteurised and heat treated, and heat to the organic aisle in your supermarket for raw honey that’s chock full of nutrients.

• Xylitol

This low kilojoule sugar substitute is getting a reputation for it’s health-boosting properties. It’s derived from fibrous fruit, has 40% less kilojoules than sugar, no carbohydrate content and is great for diabetics. Because it has a low GI, it’s metabolised slowly by the body – that means no sugar spike and cravings. Awesome.

• Stevia

A kilojoule-free sweetener, stevia is a herb the native tribes of the Amazon have been using for generations. It’s hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, and has no effect on blood sugar levels, which makes it excellent for those who are diabetic. Plus, it doesn’t rot your teeth. 

By using alternatives to added sugar and steering our diets away from processed foods towards healthier options, we can jump off the sugar bandwagon. Our bodies will thank us.

Check out your local health food store for more information, or talk to a dietician if you’re thinking about changing your diet.