There’s good news and bad news about sweeteners. The bad news is that all forms of sugar compromise your health. If it’s sweet - it’s a problem. The good news is that there are natural sugars that provide vital nutrients and help balance the effects.
 
Sugars upset blood sugar levels

All sugars upset our blood sugar balance. Fruit sugars are not as bad as refined ones, but they still have a negative effect. They upset our energy levels, creating highs and lows. Bursts of concentrated sugar also erode away at our blood vessel walls and lay the foundation for bigger problems down the track.
 
Sugars strip minerals

All forms of sugar strip minerals from our body. Minerals are needed to help metabolize sugars, which do not generally come with those required to do the job. Minerals are used by our body for many other functions including transmitting nerve signals, bone formation and oxygen transport, and our sweet treats compromise these roles. 

Artificial sweeteners 

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame have widespread usage in diet drinks and many processed foods and are marketed on the basis of their zero calorie content. These products are dangerous. Most contain ingredients known to be carcinogens, plus they upset our metabolism and can cause many unpleasant symptoms.
 
The good news

The good news is that natural sweet foods such as fruits and sweet vegetables provide healthy nutrients that help balance the effects of sugar. While not perfect, these foods can satisfy that sweet desire while helping reduce the damage. Use these in moderation for guilt-reduced treats.
 
Fruit

Fruits make fabulous sweeteners. Add your favorite fruits to smoothies, desserts, cereals and snacks to sweeten them up in the most natural way. While generally low in minerals, ripe fruits provide fiber and an array of vitamins and other nutrients that give a healthy lift.
 
Sweet vegetables

Sweet vegetables such as carrots, beetroot and red peppers are a great way to go. With a higher mineral content than most fruits, these provide a subtle sweetness to juices and savory dishes that require a little flavor. 
 
Dried fruit

Dried fruits often really do the trick. Dates are a staple and can be blended with a little water creating a deliciously sweet syrup. Any dried fruit can be used including figs, apricots, and raisins. Goji berries, considered a superfood, with their high vitamin and antioxidant content, also work well. Add to smoothies, desserts and cakes.
 
Honey

Organic honey is a natural alternative to refined sugars and tastes great on cereals, sandwiches, and in tea or coffee. While more natural than sugars, it can have some of the same blood sugar-upsetting effects.
 
Agave

Harvested from the Agave cactus, Agave nectar is a low-cal alternative that is great for drinks, cereals and desserts. Agave has a low glycemic index and does not have the same upsetting effects on our blood sugar levels as many other sweet foods. 

Stevia

This little gem is a South American herb that contains no sugar at all, and is the only natural no-cal sweetener. Incredibly sweet, only tiny amounts are needed to sweeten up anything you like. Of all natural sweeteners, stevia is the healthiest option.
 
At the end of the day, it’s about reconditioning our taste buds. Use these sweeteners in moderation to beat the cravings as you gradually cut back. The rewards of better health will gently arrive as you wean yourself on the healthiest sweet treats.