The bittersweet truth about ‘healthy sugar alternatives’ in your coffee ☕️

With time we have all become aware of the importance of making healthy food choices. This means trying to substitute unhealthy foods in our diet with healthier alternatives, sugar being the most common one. You've surely heard of the cons white sugar has on your body. And I am sure, I’m not the only one who’s been proud of themselves for using honey or jaggery instead of sugar in their coffee, thinking they're making good choices!

But, do you really know the science behind healthy sugar substitutes? 
Firstly, to clarify how one determines which sugar substitute is healthier one must check the 'Glycemic Index' (GI). This is the measure of how much a food causes a spike in your blood sugar levels. Most people substitute sugar with honey and jaggery thinking it’s more natural and thus healthier. However, this isn’t true. 

You'll be shocked to know, the glycemic indexes for sugar, jaggery and honey are almost the same!

This means they all have approximately the same calorie count. Honey and jaggery do have certain health benefits like being a source of antioxidants and magnesium etc. However, for you to receive these benefits, you would have to consume them in higher quantities which would be counterproductive to being ‘healthy’. 

Does this mean if you want to cut down on sugar, you can’t drink coffee? 
Please, you know we would never suggest that! However, a lot of coffee companies do add sugar to their flavoured coffees. This is done to enhance the flavour and to tone down the natural bitterness of coffee. We at Impulse Coffees formulate the perfect cup of cup of coffee, with NO ADDED SUGAR. This makes your coffee free of sugar, yet retains the delicious flavour of Impulse Coffees. 

But I like my sweet coffee, what can I use then?
There are certain alternatives that actually have a lower glycemic index, and help you create the perfectly sweet and delicious coffee. They might not be easily available in your local stores, but you may be able to purchase them online if you’re seriously looking towards certain healthy changes in your diet. 

Some of these are: 

• Stevia
  It’s a natural sweetener which is available in sachets which if consumed in moderation is a great substitute for refined sugar.
  
  
• Yacon syrup
  An excellent probiotic natural, low calorie alternative, although on the pricier side, is great for those who are diabetic or at risk for the diabetes. 
  
  
• Date sugar or Date syrup
  Dates have a lower glycemic index and thus date sugar or syrup extracted from them have lower calories than refined sugar. It also additionally contains antioxidants and minerals. 

In my opinion, if you’re a daily coffee drinker who's looking for a lifestyle change then it’s worth investing in one of these alternatives after consulting a professional. If you’re an occasional coffee drinker, then I’d suggest you go for any sweetener that’s convenient since consuming everything in moderation, won't hurt anyone!

- Roashni Rathod