Healthier Foods

Healthier Sugar Substitutes:

Stevia

Stevia is a very sweet herb with no calories from South America that is available in powder and liquid form. This sweetener has a pronounced sweet flavor that is 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar cane. Try Stevia before using so as not to overpower a recipe. Stevia is safe for people with celiac disease because it contains no gluten and does come into contact with glutinous products, such as wheat, during its manufacture. Also, Stevia works great for a substitute for diabetics.

Concentrated Fruit Juices (Complex Sugars)

Apple and white grape juice are the most common sweeteners used because they are lighter in color and are deliciously sweet. They also contain complex sugars that require longer to digest and they contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Xylitol

Known as birch sugar, Xylitol is low glycemic and will not raise blood sugar levels, nor will it promote yeast overgrowth, as sugar does. Bone health may be supported, while tooth decay and plaque buildup are prevented. Be carful in taking large amounts, because gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea might be experienced.

Raw Honey

Raw honey contains enzymes, phytonutrients, resins, and propolis (bee glue). This exceptional combination makes raw honey versatile not only as a food, but as an anti-bacterial agent. It also can elevate antioxidant levels, restore muscle glycogen after exercising, aids in decreasing cholesterol, and reduce certain risks of cancer.

Agave Nectar

The syrup of Agave naturally contains quantities of Iron, Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium, which help in creating its color. Agave syrup has a low glycemic index that is beneficial to many people. However, the fructose percentage is higher than that of fructose corn syrup. Also, Agave is high caloric and high in carbohydrates, but still is better than processed sugar. Agave should be used sparingly.


Essential Oils

Some oils and nutrients that are required for building and repair in the human body cannot be manufactured by the body, so they must be supplied in the diet. The extraction of these oils and nutrients is done by distillation or expression, which allows healing nutrients, antibiotic, antiviral, oxygenating molecules, amino acid precursors, coenzyme A factors, trace minerals, enzymes, vitamins, hormones, anti-fungal, and other natural existing qualities to remain intact. 

Essential oils are able to penetrate cell structures to effect a desired result. Dating back thousands of years ago, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts depict priests and physicians using essential oils for healing the sick. Essential oils were considered more valuable than gold. 

For optimal health, essential oils should not be heated over 118 degrees Fahrenheit. If essential oils are heated over that temperature, the nutritional properties will be lost. Essential oils are best used when cooking is completed then drizzled over the food. Examples of essential oils include extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, sesame seed oil, and herb oils.

Healthier Flour Substitutes

All of the following substitutes can be found at health food stores. Experiment with them in your favorite recipes. 

Amaranth Flour is great to use in baking. It is packed with amino acids, protein, and fiber. 

Millet Flour is full of protein and it is very digestible. Millet is good in baking. 

Rice Flour can be a good substitute for regular and wheat flours and very good for people with allergies to wheat. 

These are just a few of the healthier options that are available to consumers. Better health starts with making choices that reflect the desired results. Research more about healthier food choices and become more aware of the nutritional side of human consciousness. Wholesome, healthier, organic choices in food promise a return that will prolong human life.