Best Natural Sugar Substitutes for Seniors
Bleached, and “refined” sugar is something most of us could benefit from consuming less of. However, it is part of many different recipes and foods we all enjoy. For any senior living in Lakewood, sugar substitutes can provide some of the flavors you want, but they can also often be just as bad or even worse for your health. So below, we will be discussing some of the best natural sugar substitutes that are free of GMOs and artificial ingredients. (Of course, if you are a diabetic senior, these sugars may not be safe/healthy for you. Always consult with your primary care physician before making any dietary or lifestyle changes that could impact your health.)
Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is made from the agave plant, and in my opinion, it is the closest in flavor to raw cane sugar. However, agave has a sweeter taste than sugar, and is not made into granules. While this natural sugar substitute may not be a good option for diabetics, it can be a great, long-lasting alternative to processed sugar. You can use less of it in your recipes, since it is sweeter; and you do not have to worry about harmful or artificial additives. Just be sure to check the ingredients, and confirm it is only agave syrup.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is generally processed very little, and can be a great alternative for white table sugar. The fact that it is usually unprocessed also means that it still has all the vitamins and minerals of coconuts! This means you can actually get a little bit of micronutrients by using this type of sugar in small amounts. Of course, any sugar should be consumed in moderation, but it can be nice to know that you are getting a little bit of good with your “bad.” Of course, coconut sugar should not be eaten by the spoonful, but as an alternative to sugar, it can be a wonderful choice.
Date Paste
Speaking of healthier natural sugar alternatives, date paste is the sugar substitute that you will wish you knew about sooner! Due to the natural high sugar content of dates, they can actually be used to make a deliciously sweet paste that can be used in place of sugar for just about anything. Dates are also a fantastic source of many nutrients such as fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamin B6, copper, and more! So, by utilizing more date paste over bleached and processed sugar, you can make your sweets just a little more healthy than they would have been. Again, remember to be sparing and moderate with your sugar intake—no matter what kind of sugar you use!
Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Lakewood has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Applewood provides outstanding assisted living and memory care in Lakewood.
