Excess sugar in our diets can lead to weight gain and numerous health problems, in addition to mental and physical ailments. Choosing to follow a sugar-free diet can help us to lose weight, improve energy levels and ward off cavities and diabetes. However, cutting out sugar does not have to mean cutting out sweets, thanks to natural sugar substitutes like Natvia. Use Natvia in place of sugar in your favorite recipes, like the sugar-free chocolate brownie recipe below.
The Dangers of Too Much Sugar
Excess sugar in the bloodstream can spike insulin in the body, causing unstable energy levels and eventually fatigue and lethargy, in addition to weight gain. Excess sugar is stored in our bodies as fat, adding unwanted pounds to our hips and waistlines. Over time, eating high amounts of sugar and spiking insulin levels can contribute to the development of type-2 diabetes. Sugary foods are also bad for our teeth and cause cavities.
The Benefits of Sugar-Free Diets
There are many health benefits to eating a low-sugar or sugar-free diet. Eating a low sugar or sugar-free diet helps to regulate blood sugar, leading to more sustained, even energy levels and eliminating sugar crashes. Sugar free diets can also help some people lose weight by cutting out extra calories from sugar. Following a sugar-free or low-sugar diet also lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Sugar Substitutes
Reaping the benefits of a sugar-free diet does not have to mean cutting out all sweet things from your lifestyle. Natural sugar substitutes like Natvia can be used in your favorite recipes in place of sugar to cut out calories while retaining that sweet flavor we all crave. Natvia is made from a blend of Stevia extract and Erithrytol, a naturally occurring nectar. Natvia is 100% natural and is readily available at your local grocer. Natvia is used in your favorite recipes with a 1 to 1 ratio of sugar to Natvia, so replace the same amount of sugar with an equal amount of Natvia for delicious, naturally sweet foods and treats.
Try this recipe for sugar free benefits to your health while still enjoying delicious chocolate brownies:
Ingredients:
25g butter, melted
400g Natvia sweetener
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
225g plain flour
140g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 180 C. Grease and then flour a 23x30cm baking tin.
- Beat butter, Natvia and vanilla, and then fold in eggs to the batter, one at a time.
- Sift flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder into the butter–eggs-Natvia mixture. Beat the mixture slowly by hand until flour and butter are thoroughly mixed.
- Pour brownie mix into the baking tin and bake it for 20 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the centre comes out clean.
- Let brownies cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from tin or cutting.
Henry is a Nutrition and Health professional from Sydney, Australia. He believes natural, sugar-free sweeteners are the way to go if you have a sweet tooth and a high sugar intake. For more information on how natural sweeteners can benefit your health, visit www.natvia.com.au.