Coffee is a revitalizing beverage that effectively fights diabetes and lowers the risk of liver disease. It also aids in weight control. However, adding sugar to your coffee decreases its benefits. A teaspoon of sugar in your coffee is fine once in a while, but making it a habit can be unhealthy.
This does not mean that you have to settle for bitter-tasting black coffee. There are many sugar alternatives that you can use to sweeten it instead. These allow you to have a delicious cup of coffee that is also good for your health.
Coffee beans, natural sugar substitutes, fats, artificial sweeteners, and brewing procedures all contribute to a sweet cup of coffee. These additives are highly effective and give favorable results. I guarantee that at least one of these ways will provide you with the sweetened coffee flavor you desire.
Contents
Method #1: Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener. So, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to sugar, honey is the way to go. It is well-known for the many health benefits it provides and should definitely be a part of your diet. While many people believe honey only works in tea, it is just as delicious in coffee.
Honey is rich in antioxidants that play a vital role in keeping your body healthy. It also has a high concentration of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins A, B, and C. These aid in the battle against germs and other disorders. Furthermore, because honey has such a rich flavor, you will only need a tiny bit to sweeten your coffee!
Method #2: Stevia
Stevia is a sugar substitute derived from the Brazilian and Paraguayan plant Stevia rebaudiana. It is available in powdered form and has no calories. This is one of the reasons why many people choose Stevia over sugar. If you have diabetes, this is the best way to sweeten your coffee because it doesn’t spike your blood sugar. It also contains antioxidants, which help fight inflammation.
You only need a tiny bit of Stevia in your coffee to sweeten it as it is much sweeter than sugar. Another advantage of using Stevia is that it doesn’t have an unpleasant aftertaste and tastes exactly like sugar.
Method #3: Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that you can use not only on pancakes but also in coffee! Like honey, maple syrup is high in beneficial nutrients such as zinc, manganese, potassium, and calcium, which help when treating infections, diabetes, and cancer. Maple syrup is a fantastic way to sweeten your coffee without adding sugar, especially in the winter!
Choose maple syrup that is not diluted with high-fructose corn syrup, or else all of the benefits will be useless. Grade B maple syrup, for example, contains a lot of antioxidants that you won’t find in lighter ones.
Method #4: Cinnamon
Natural sweeteners are the best alternatives to sugar when it comes to sweetening your coffee. Cinnamon is a natural sweetener that is rich in flavor and adds a unique taste to your coffee. This spice is well-known for its health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, inflammation and lowering blood pressure.
It also helps burn a few calories. Simply add a teaspoon of fresh cinnamon powder or leave a stick or two with the coffee beans to get that distinct taste.
Method #5: Xylitol
Xylitol, often known as birch sugar, is a plant sugar that comes from fruits and vegetables. The bark of some wood species like birch or beech can also produce it. This sweetener is made by a complex mechanism that converts Xylans into Xylitol. Because of the high cost of production, Xylitol is an expensive substitute for sugar.
The sweetening capacity of this sugar substitute ranges from 98 to 100%. It has a similar flavor to sugar and a cooling effect on the tongue to give your coffee the perfect sweet taste. However, if you’re making the shift from sugar, keep in mind that Xylitol can have laxative effects. So, it’s best to start with minimal amounts.
Method #6: Dates
Another interesting way to sweeten coffee is to use dates. They are dried fruits from date palm trees that grow in warm regions and are a healthier sugar alternative. Many cakes and sweet foods incorporate dates because of their numerous health benefits.
They have a high fiber content, which helps to decrease LDL cholesterol levels. They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Magnesium and Vitamin B6. You can easily add dates into your coffee by preparing a paste at home or purchasing one at the shop.
Method #7: Vanilla
Vanilla is the perfect sugar-free option to sweeten your coffee. It’s a spice made from the orchids of Vanilla plants, which grow in the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. Vanilla can lower cholesterol levels and fight inflammation. It also contains the antioxidants vanillic acid and vanillin.
Vanilla is widely famous for its rich flavoring. When added to coffee, it gives a unique taste that many people love! The best way to benefit from vanilla is in its natural form. Only a few drops of vanilla will be enough to give your coffee an outstanding sweet flavor!
Final Thoughts
All of these alternatives to refined sugar are proven to be healthier. As a result, many people are turning to them to sweeten their coffee instead. Natural sweeteners offer plenty of advantages and are an excellent replacement for sugar. They are perfect for people with diabetes as they have a low-calorie sugar count. They also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Use honey, maple syrup, dates, vanilla, or almond extract to make a sweetened cup of coffee. You can also use artificial sweeteners, although they may pose health issues. Aside from these approaches, you can simply add milk or go with a lighter roast coffee for a less bitter flavor. I hope you have fun experimenting with all these wonderful flavors and find the one that you like best! Enjoy!
