Article courtesy of BCHA Professional Member Dr. Cobi, PhD, DNM, CHT, RNCP, ROHP, RHT
To view entire article with additional information, please visit: http://drcobi.com/blog/what-are-best-natural-sweeteners-use
Ask Dr Cobi-
Question: I really want to get off sugar but need some healthy natural alternatives for the occasional sweet treat. What are the best natural sweeteners to use?
The sweetener market is confusing and manipulative with many people being completely unaware they are making a detrimental decision when purchasing sugar alternatives. Fortunately there are many great choices.
Here’s my top 4 picks:
1. Xylitol
Xylitol is extracted from birch trees and corncobs. It contains 40% fewer calories than sucrose and has no negative effect on blood sugar levels aa well as actually helping to reduce sugar cravings. It has a very similar taste to sugar with no bitter or unpleasant aftertaste and can be used in baking, drinks and can also be added to meals and cooking. Half a cup of xylitol is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.
Bonus – Xylitol actually helps to reverse dental decay and protect tooth enamel. Try Xylitol chewing gum as a great alternative to aspartame and sugar.
2. Stevia
Originally native to South America, stevia is an herb that produces naturally sweet leaves that can taste 300 times sweeter than sucrose. It is available commercially for use as a liquid, powder, capsule, tablet and as a loose leaf that can be used in cooking and added to food and beverages. Stevia is a green leaf plant and should only be consumed in its most natural form. When choosing Stevia it should be green in colour and organic. The white version of Stevia is extremely concentrated and has been chemically processed with chemicals like Hexane, Chloroform and Aqueous Ethanol! One teaspoon of Green Leaf Stevia is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.
3. Lo Han Kou
Lo Han Kou is the sweet tasting fruit of the Siraitia Grosvenori plant, which is native to Southern China and Northern Thailand. The fruit is collected green and mashed to form the basis of a concentrated fruit juice or puree. Further manufacturing isolates the sweet components of the Lohan and is found to be up to 300 times sweeter than sucrose.
Traditional use of Lohan in Southern China is to promote healthy aging as well as utilizing its healing properties for colds, coughs, sore throats and as a blood cleanser.
Lohan is commonly found in a powdered and liquid extract form and is very low on the glycemic index. Two tablespoons of Lohan is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.
4. Raw, Unfiltered Honey
Raw, unpasteurized honey straight from the hive is one of nature’s most potent antibiotics. It is also alkalinizing, immune enhancing and is great for reducing allergy symptoms. Topically it can be used to enhance wound healing and helps treat burns. Two-thirds of a cup of raw honey is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.
About the Author:
Dr. Cobi Slater, PhD, DNM, CHT, RNCP, NNCP began her medical training at Dominion Herbal College where she graduated with honors after 4 years of schooling with a degree in Clinical Herbal Therapy.
Dr. Cobi continued on to complete further specialized training to qualify as a DNM (Doctorate of Natural Medicine), awarded by the Examining Board of Natural Medicine Practitioners of Canada and the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners of North America. Dr. Cobi holds a PhD in Natural Health Sciences with a specialty in hormonal dysfunction.
In addition, Dr. Cobi is trained as a Natural Health Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant, Natural Health Educator, a Natural Health Technician, Certified Laser Therapist, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner/Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner.
Dr. Cobi‘s inspiration to pursue a holistic approach to health and wellbeing led her to establish Essential Health Natural Wellness Clinic located in Maple Ridge, BC. Essential Health is dedicated to providing professional, safe and effective complementary healthcare through the use of research and evidence-based natural medicine therapies. Offering assistance for chronic disease, hormone issues, immune health, allergies, skin problems, digestive complaints, nutrition counseling and lifestyle counseling to name a few, Essential Health educates and empowers individuals to achieve an optimal state of health and wellbeing.
Dr. Cobi currently practices in her local clinic and conducts on-line consultations throughout North America. She writes health articles and columns for several newspapers and health magazines and is the International Best-Selling Author of 5 books including: The Ultimate Candida Guide and Cookbook, The Ultimate Hormone Guidebook, The Ultimate Metabolic Plan, The Ultimate Gluten and Dairy Free Cookbook and the Refresh, Revive, Restore 10-Day Detox Book.
Dr. Cobi is a professional RHT member of the Canadian Herbalist’s Association of British Columbia, the Natural Medicine Practitioners of Canada, the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants, the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. She is also a member of the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners of North America, the Natural Medicine Certification Council as well as the Health Action Network Society.
