Our kids are eating more sugar and getting fatter; with the average yearly consumption per person being approximately 135 pounds! As well, research indicates an over-consumption of white, refined sugar weakens the immune system, can trigger violent behavior and other behavioral problems in children, causes dental decay and robs precious vitamins and minerals from a child’s body.
Don’t despair. You can still satisfy the youngster’s sweet tooth with natural sweeteners that are more nutritionally sound with the following:
Organic maple syrup: Substitute 2/3 to 1/4 cup maple syrup for 1 cup white sugar. Maple syrup is a good source of potassium and calcium.
Maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used in a variety of baked goods. Substitute 1 cup of maple sugar for 1 cup of white sugar.
Sucanat: Sucanat contains more vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients than white sugar. It is an all-purpose sweetener for baking, cooking and hot drinks and should be used in a 1 to 1 replacement for white sugar.
Barley malt syrup: Barley malt syrup is half as sweet as white sugar and is best used in combination with other sweeteners. Barley malt syrup contains a variety of trace minerals and vitamins. 1½ cup of barley malt is equal to ½ cup of white sugar.
Date sugar: It is high in fiber and contains folic acid. It can be used to make toppings for pies and fruit crisps or for baking breads, cakes and muffins. Date sugar can be used in a 1 to 1 replacement for white sugar.