You probably know that guarding your health means sugar and artificial sweeteners are out. But thanks to safe, all-natural sweeteners – including erythritol, stevia, and agave nectar you can satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your health.

And today, I have another one for you to try. Coconut sugar.

Made from the evaporated sap of the coconut flower, coconut sugar tastes much like brown sugar. But unlike sugar’s 60-65 score on the glycemic index, coconut sugar ranks a low 35. What’s more, coconut sugar is denser in minerals, including potassium and magnesium.

Because coconut sugar does, in fact, contain “sugars,” the best way to use it is in combination with erythritol or stevia. It produces a wonderful caramel-like flavor that you can add to healthy home-baked goodies.

[Ed. Note: Sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, Splenda, aspartame... So many sweeteners are bad for you, it's nice to know you can still appease your sweet tooth with healthy alternatives. Nutrition expert Kelley Herring has created a delicious chocolate cake that's entirely sugar-free. Get your slice here.

For more advice on the best foods to eat - and those you should avoid - as well as how you can apply the latest health breakthroughs to your own life, sign up for ETR's natural health newsletter. Get your free roadmap to feeling better and living longer right here.]

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 at 5:10 am and is filed under Quality of Life .