Are some sugars healthier than others?

Limiting how much sugar we consume can help reduce the risk of weight gain, tooth decay and chronic disease. While all sugars are high in calories, some offer additional nutritional  components. For example, sugar is found in fruit and vegetables but these foods also contain important vitamins, fiber and minerals making them an essential part of our diet. To reduce your sugar intake, aim to minimize “added” sugars, for example, the sugar added to tea or coffee.

However, sometimes it is difficult to completely avoid added-sugar. Here are some alternatives to refined sugar that you might consider using:

• Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. While it contains sugars, it also has beneficial compounds and is less processed.
• Maple syrup: Made from the sap of maple trees, this sweetener contains minerals like manganese and zinc, offering some health benefits over refined sugars.
• Coconut sugar: Derived from coconut palm sap, it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and contains trace nutrients.

Consider choosing one of the above over refined sugar. However, remember to use these ingredients in moderation.