Sugar can be very hard to eliminate from one's diet, especially if it has been programmed and conditioned to be a necessity in one's diet at an early age. However, minimizing if not completely eliminating sugar can do wonders to the health and can help lower diabetes risk, stave off growing infections, and many more.
Artificial sweeteners aren't any better too. Research has found that the aspartame in artificial sweeteners is harmful and can contribute to problems like memory loss and Alzheimer's. Thankfully, nature has provided us with coconut, a good substitute to sugar.
According to health writer Sarah Wilson of Mind Body Green, who quit sugar herself four years ago, coconut helps tremendously in dealing with sugar cravings. As coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), a myriad health benefits are in store for those who turn to coconut. MCFAs are small enough to infiltrate the cell membranes. They do not require special enzymes to be broken down, making coconut easy to digest and immediately converted into energy, preventing it from being stored as fat.
Coconut oil does not spike insulin levels in the blood stream unlike carbohydrates. This prevents the usual energy slump dreaded after a usual sweet treat. Using coconut as an alternative to sugar can give you sustained energy, an overall sense of vitality, minus the side effects.
Infusing coconut into your diet is easy. One way to do this is to have a glass of coconut water, as it is three times more hydrating than water. Coconut water is also a good electrolyte and a diuretic, guaranteeing to flush out toxins.
Coconut can also be added to smoothies. One tablespoon of coconut oil added to your smoothie blend will give it sufficient sweetness and taste. Coconut milk and flesh also tastes great when infused in a smoothie.
Add coconut oil in coffee. As a sugar substitute, coconut oil's sweetness complements the coffee's strong flavor. This is not only a delightful treat but a great way to take a healthy yet simple step.