Switch to these 6 healthy sugar substitutes for weight loss

Fruit purees: One way to reduce your sugar intake is with fruit purees. For instance, banana puree is an excellent way to decrease the intake of refined sugar. Even if you are buying it from the store, make sure you are buying the unsweetened product. So, the next time you prepare a cake, muffin, or cookie, use a fruit puree instead of unhealthy sweeteners. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Maple syrup: It is one of the best natural sugar substitutes that contain calcium, potassium and zinc. Maple syrup is also rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. From marinades to sauces to baking goods, maple syrup can be added to your diet in numerous ways. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Raw honey: One of the best natural sweeteners out there, raw honey is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains enzymes, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and niacin. Phew! That's a lot of nutrients to get from one thing. If you're wondering about the benefits - raw honey helps you get rid of free radicals and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in digestion. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Sugar alcohols: Xylitol and erythritol are two sugar alcohols that have a low glycemic index. Processed from plant fibres, they contain few calories and no carbs, making them a good sugar substitute. However, when eaten in excess, it can lead to a rise in your blood sugar levels and digestive issues. It is better to eat it in moderation to avoid complications. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Dates: Raise your hand if you love this delicious dark fruit! If you like this, you should know that it is a great sugar substitute that you can do your diet. Not only are dates tasty, but they also contain a plethora of nutrients that can be great for your health. Dates contain potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B6. Additionally, they are easily digested. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Monk Fruit: Also known as luo han guo or swingle, monk fruit is native to Southeast Asia and slowly gaining prominence in the food market. It is a popular natural sweetener. So, you get monk fruit sweeteners made from the juice of monk fruit. While they are very sweet, they contain zero calories. It is a safe and healthy sugar alternative that you can add to your diet. However, there is more research needed to know the effects of monk fruit on your health. So, don't forget to check with your doctor. Image courtesy: Adobe stock