Naturally sweet

Having given sugar a hard time, there are occasions when we do want to sweeten something and there are some natural alternatives that actually have some redeeming features. Xylitol is a natural sweetener (granular form), one of it’s beneifits ironically helps prevent cavities in the teeth (unlike refined sugar). Agarva syrup is another plant based sweetener which is found now in most supermarkets now, the Agarva plant is grown in Southern Mexico and was considered by the Aztecs to be a gift from the Gods (it is a very similar plant to that of  Aloe Vera, another ‘miracle’ plant). The Aztecs added it to food and drinks and also used it on the outside of the body for it’s healing properties. Both Xylitol and Agarva have low glycemic properties which means they do not dump too much sweet stuff into the blood stream too quickly and so do not cause an undesirable ‘sugar rush’.

Honey has some antiseptic and healing properties and benefits for hay fever sufferers – if local honey is used. Unfortunately some local honey is so full of chemicals now due to farming methods (poor little bees!) that it can do more damage than good, so just be mindful of where it comes from.  Maple syrup is also natural but both honey and maple need to be used in small amounts due to their higher glycemic effect.

Obviously, fruit juices like apple or grape juice can also be used for sweetening, again, in moderation.

Fact: Cancer cells need 4-5 times the amount of sugar to survive than non-cancerous cells.

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