Refined sugar is a highly processed form of sugar that is derived from sugar cane or sugar beet. It is commonly found in processed foods and drinks such as soda, candy, and baked goods. Refined sugar is stripped of its natural vitamins and minerals during the refining process and is often added to food as a sweetener. So, yes you should start avoiding sugar!
But, should you sacrifice your taste buds for your health?
Should you say no to your favourite halwa that your mom prepares for you?
Naturally, there will be times when you have less control over the quality of what you eat, be it a work event, family gathering, when on the travelling, or any instance that has you eating away from home…And that is okay!
Doing what we can as often as we can to nourish ourselves with good food is important, but so is celebrating every small events in your life. But, what if we tell you that you can still savour the sweetness of your favourite desserts without adding sugar to them?
Fortunately, there are several natural sweeteners gifted to us by Mother Nature that can be used as an alternative to refined sugar. Mother Nature does not provide us with refined sugars…
There's a reason she hung dates instead of sugar on trees!
All foods taken directly from plants and trees are nutritious, such as raw fruits and vegetables. They have not been processed in any way. Mother Nature has made each food item a ‘whole-package deal’. She has designed each food item with a specific protein, fat, and nutrient ratio so that we humans can easily digest and eliminate it. However, by consuming only an insignificant part of it, we are interfering with Nature’s menu intended for human beings.
When Mother Nature gives us sugarcane, she also gives us the mechanism for digesting sugarcane in its fibre. Eating sugarcane directly helps in the slow and controlled digestion of sugar. However, when we convert sugarcane into white sugar, we have an excess of sweetness all at once. This places undue strain on our pancreas. Our pancreas is harmed when we consume refined sugar regularly. Moreover, refined sugars remove the natural lubrication and grease from our joints and hollow out our bones.
Great Alternatives To Refined Sugars:
When Mother Nature gives us sugarcane, she also gives us the mechanism for digesting sugarcane in its fibre. Eating sugarcane directly helps in the slow and controlled digestion of sugar. However, when we convert sugarcane into white sugar, we have an excess of sweetness all at once. This places undue strain on our pancreas. Our pancreas is harmed when we consume refined sugar regularly. Moreover, refined sugars remove the natural lubrication and grease from our joints and hollow out our bones.
Dates
Figs
Raisins
Cranberries
Sweet Fruits
Jaggery
DATES
When compared to jaggery, maple syrup, and other sweeteners, dates are the best. They are the healthiest of all because they come straight from nature. You can use any date that is readily available to you. Just make sure there is no sugar or syrup on them.
JAGGERY
The darker the jaggery the purer it is. Jaggery is prepared by heating sugar cane juice and retains various nutrients even after this little processing.
BROWN SUGAR
Desi Khand or Brown Sugar, on the other hand, is a form of sugar that is a combination of white sugar and molasses, a byproduct of refined sugar. It is highly altered from the way Nature gave them to us. Color is often added to white sugar to turn it into brown sugar, giving the false pretext that it is minimally processed. Since white or brown sugar is devoid of all the nutrients, it starts extracting nutrients from our bodies when consumed and is considered unhealthy. You should avoid it at all costs.
15 Commonly Asked Questions About Natural Sweeteners
Sugar tastes sweet to your senses but, in reality, there are many side effects to consuming these crystal cubes and it is very bitter for the body too. A person feels good due to the beta-endorphin rush in the brain while the immune system degenerates.
Natural sweeteners, however, do not have any negative impact on our health since they naturally exist or undergo minimal processing. Since these sugars exist in the combination of fibre, water, antioxidants and other nutrients, they are also easily digested. This section answers our community members’ most commonly asked questions about natural sweeteners.
How to use Stevia Leaf Powder in a dessert without the dish changing into a greenish color?
- Stevia leaf powder is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. When used in desserts, it can impart a slightly greenish color due to the natural chlorophyll content of the Stevia leaves. However, there are a few tips you can follow to minimize the color change and still enjoy the sweetness of Stevia in your desserts.
- Use a small amount of Stevia leaf powder: Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you need to use only a small amount of it to sweeten your desserts. Using too much Stevia can intensify the greenish color, so start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed.
- Combine Stevia with other sweeteners: To reduce the greenish color, you can use Stevia in combination with other natural sweeteners like jaggery powder. This will not only help to balance the sweetness but also reduce the amount of Stevia needed.
- Add natural colorings: To balance the greenish color, you can add natural colorings to your dessert. For example, you can add some cacao powder, beetroot powder, or turmeric powder to mask the greenish color.
- Serve in colored dishes: Finally, if you’re still concerned about the greenish color, you can serve your dessert in colored dishes. This will help to distract from any slight color change and still allow you to enjoy the sweetness of Stevia.
- By following these tips, you can use Stevia leaf powder in your desserts without the dish turning greenish in color.
Is it safe to use Stevia in tablet form?
Yes, it’s safe to consume as it is made by compressing Stevia extract into small tablets, which are convenient and easy to use as a sweetener. Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Stevia tablets are a convenient way to add sweetness to foods and beverages without adding calories. They are also a good option for people who are trying to reduce their sugar intake or manage their blood sugar levels.
However, it is important to note that it’s best if you get fresh stevia as it has the most nutrition. If fresh stevia is not available, you can choose dried stevia leaves or powder. Choose to consume the tablet only if any other option is not available. If you have any further concerns about using Stevia in tablet form, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet. Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and dosage.
Can Stevia Leaf Powder be given to diabetic patients?
Yes, Stevia leaf powder can be a good alternative to sugar for diabetic patients. Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a safe and healthy option for people with diabetes.
When consumed, Stevia passes through the digestive system without being broken down into glucose or other simple sugars, so it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In fact, Stevia has been found to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar control in some studies, and may even help improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, Stevia has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes who are at a higher risk of developing complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
However, it’s important to note that while Stevia is a safe and healthy alternative to sugar, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have any concerns about using Stevia or other sugar substitutes, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
How can I use Stevia Leaf Powder?
Stevia leaf powder can be used as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions for how to use Stevia leaf powder:
Sweeten Beverages: Stevia can be added to satvic coffee, herbal tea, smoothies, and other beverages to add sweetness without adding calories.
Baking: Stevia can be used in baking recipes as a sugar substitute. However, because Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, you’ll need to adjust the amount used accordingly.
Sauces and Dressings: Stevia can be used in sauces and dressings to add sweetness without adding sugar. When using Stevia leaf powder, it’s important to start with a small amount and adjust the amount used to taste. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. Additionally, it’s important to choose high-quality Stevia leaf powder to ensure that you’re getting a pure, natural product.
Can we use Stevia Leaf Powder in place of jaggery for making coffee?
We do not suggest using it in coffee due to the dominant or bitter flavour of coffee. So, it is better to use jaggery or jaggery powder. You can use Stevia leaf powder in place of jaggery for making coffee if you want to reduce your sugar intake or if you have diabetes.
To use Stevia leaf powder in coffee, you can simply add a small amount to your coffee and stir well. Keep in mind that Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you may need to use less than you would with jaggery or sugar. It’s best to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
If you prefer the flavor of jaggery in your coffee, you can also try using a small amount of jaggery along with Stevia leaf powder. This can help to reduce the overall sugar content while still providing some of the flavor of jaggery.
Ultimately, the choice of sweetener for your coffee will depend on your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
Do the cranberries need to be soaked before consuming them?
It depends on the type of cranberries you are referring to. Fresh cranberries do not need to be soaked before consuming, as they are usually eaten raw or cooked as part of a recipe.
However, if you are referring to dried cranberries, they can benefit from soaking before consuming. Soaking them in wate for a short period will rehydrate the berries. To soak dried cranberries, simply place them in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain the water and rinse the cranberries before using them in a recipe or eating them as a snack.
If the Satopradhan Cranberries are exported from other countries, can we have them? As according to satvic Lifestyle we should only have seasonal & regional fruits & veggies?
According to the principles of a satvic lifestyle, it is generally recommended to consume seasonal and regional fruits and vegetables whenever possible. This is because seasonal and regional produce is typically fresher, more nutrient-dense, and better suited to the local climate and environment. However, it is also possible to incorporate non-local foods into a sattvic diet in moderation, as long as they are consumed mindfully and in a way that supports overall health and wellbeing.
If you live in a region where cranberries are not available locally and you wish to include them in your diet, you can do so in moderation while keeping the following points in mind:
1. Choose high-quality, organic cranberries from a reputable source to ensure that they are free from harmful pesticides and other contaminants. We, at satopradhan, use only two ingredients to increase the lives of our cranberries i.e. sunflower oil and apple juice.
2. Consume cranberries in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other seasonal and regional fruits and vegetables.
3. When consuming non-local foods, it is important to be mindful of their impact on the environment, and to choose foods that are produced in a sustainable and ethical manner.
What is the difference between kishmish and raisins?
Kishmish is a golden-colored dried grape without seed, known as Golden Raisins
Munakka is a dark brown dried grape with seed, known as Black Raisins
However, both types are commonly known as Raisins in English. Both are dried grapes.
Kishmish is a term commonly used in the Indian subcontinent, while raisins is a term more commonly used in the Western world. Dried grapes are produced by allowing grapes to dry in the sun or in a dehydrator until most of the moisture is removed, resulting in a small, sweet, and chewy fruit. There are different types of grapes used for producing raisins or kishmish, including green and black grapes.
Raisins or kishmish are often used in cooking, baking, or as a snack. They are a good source of fiber and natural sugars, and they also contain vitamins and minerals such as iron and potassium. Overall, whether you call them kishmish or raisins, they are a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
Is Jaggery good for diabetes?
While jaggery is often considered to be a healthier alternative to sugar, it is still high in calories and carbohydrates, so people with diabetes should be cautious when consuming it.
However, in moderation, jaggery can be included in a diabetes-friendly diet. It contains some vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, and is also said to have some antioxidant properties. It is best to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before including jaggery in your diet if you have diabetes, as they can give you personalized advice based on your individual needs and health status.
Does consumption of Jaggery/ Jaggery Powder lead to weight gain?
Yes, consumption of jaggery or jaggery powder can lead to weight gain, especially if consumed in excess. Jaggery is a sweetener that is high in calories and carbohydrates, and consuming too much of it can contribute to an increase in overall calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain.
In satvic lifestyle, everything is recommended to be used in moderation, even if it is very healthy. Jaggery is mainly composed of simple healthy sugars like fructose, sucrose and glucose. Taking too much sugar from any source can have negative health consequences such as weight gain. So, if you want to lose weight and reap the maximum benefits from Jaggery, consume it in moderation.
Which is better: Jaggery or khaand, Nolen gur, or palm jaggery?
First, let’s understand how all of them are processed.
Jaggery is prepared by heating sugar cane juice and retains various nutrients even after this little processing.
Desi Khand or Brown Sugar, on the other hand, is the form of sugar that is traditionally made in India. It is a combination of white sugar and molasses, a byproduct of refined sugar. It is highly altered from the way Nature gave them to us. Color is often added to white sugar to turn it into brown sugar, giving the false pretext that it is minimally processed.
Nolen Gur or Liquid palm jaggery is the liquid jaggery prepared from the first flush of the date palm juice.It has a complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel and molasses, and is rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium
Now, let’s understand the difference:
Palm sugar is originally made from the sap of the Palmyra palm, the date palm, or the sugar date palm. On the other hand, sugarcane jaggery is made from sugarcane juice.
Palm jaggery has more nutritional content than sugarcane jaggery. The third difference is that palm jaggery is much less sweet than sugarcane jaggery. It has more nutrients like iron, selenium, and manganese and fewer simple carbohydrates like fructose and glucose than jaggery made from sugarcane juice. Palm jaggery also possesses a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugarcane jaggery, which doesn’t raise your blood sugar levels quickly. So, palm jaggery would be ideal for those with diabetes. But for others, sugarcane jaggery is a healthier option.
Since white or brown sugar is devoid of all the nutrients, it starts extracting nutrients from our bodies when consumed and is considered unhealthy. You should avoid it at all costs.
Can we soak dates?
Yes, you can soak dates in water to make them softer and more pliable, which can make them easier to use in recipes or to eat as a snack. Soaking dates can also help to release their natural sweetness and make them more flavorful. Soaked dates can be used in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies, energy bars, or baked goods, or simply eaten on their own as a snack.
Kimia dates are a type of Iranian date that are known for their rich flavor and soft texture. While it is not necessary to soak them, you can soak kimia dates if you prefer them softer or if you want to use them in recipes that require softer dates.
How does the shelf life of Kimia dates increase without preservatives?
Dates can be dried by sun-drying or dried in a dehydrator or oven. In most cases, simply setting the Kimia dates outside on a tray for a prolonged period generally, several days, will cause them to shrink and dry. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and hence there is no need to add any chemical preservatives. They are very sweet when fresh and even sweeter when dried. The drying process condenses the flesh and sugars in the fruit, giving them a very intense sweetness. After drying, dates should be packed clean and hygienically to prevent any contamination, this will help extend their shelf life.
Are Kimia Dates coated with sugar?
The Kimia Dates are extremely soft and juicy. As a result, the natural syrup in them forms crystals when they are exposed to low temperatures after being exposed to high temperatures first (like it is quite hot during transportation as compared to the room temperature or air-conditioned facilities or refrigerator). This is called the crystallization process. This liquid sugar forms an white outer layer on them.
What is special about Kimia Dates?
Kimia Dates is one of the most famous and delicious kinds of Iranian Date fruit worldwide, having the highest moisture content among all types of dates, making them extra soft & mushy. These are high in fiber, antioxidants, minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, iodine, and magnesium and are a good source of fat. Its smooth texture, together with juicy sweetness, makes it an all-time favorite sweetener for shakes, smoothies, and satvic desserts like laddu, kheer, halwa, etc.
These yummy dates provide instant energy and are a tasty, quick snack for children & adults to enjoy as it is or top them with any nut butter. You can buy satopradhan organic Kimia Dates from our website.
Conclusion
Natural sweeteners are Mother Nature’s Candy! These are ready-to-eat energy bites with densely packed nutrition. Give your body what it deserves – natural and wholesome sweeteners instead of refined white or brown sugar.
Refined sugar is like a disease that destroys your health. But natural sweeteners, on the other hand, are a healthy plant-based source of nutrition storing within the vitality of all the five elements of Mother Nature. Which natural sweetener is your go-to for your sweet cravings?
