We have heard about the harm caused by excessive consumption of processed sugar, and scientific experiments have also proved that excessive consumption of refined sugar will increase the pressure on the pancreas to secrete insulin. In the long run, it will lead to pancreatic fatigue and failure, and induce diabetes.
For children, a large amount of processed sugar may bring unfavorable factors to children’s development, such as inhibiting growth hormone, causing tooth decay, and causing obesity. Therefore, under this trend, natural sweeteners have appeared in the field of vision and are becoming more and more popular. But we need to understand that not all natural sweeteners are suitable for children. In this blog, you will get more categories of sweeteners suitable for children.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It contains antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and manganese, which is best for bodily functions, including bone health, immune function, and energy production. Maple syrup can be added to a variety of foods to enhance flavor, whether you’re enjoying muffins, yogurt, or bread. Due to its nutritional content, maple syrup can be a good choice for kids as an alternative to refined sugar.
Monk Fruit Sweetener
Monk fruit sweetener is derived from the natural monk fruit, also called Luo Han Guo, free from artificial chemicals, additives, and preservatives. As its zero-calorie feature, it is an excellent choice for controlling the calorie intake in a whole diet. It helps manage children’s weight and preventing obesity. For children who need to control their blood sugar levels, taking monk fruit sweeteners will not cause a spike in blood sugar, so it is also a safe choice. The heat-resistant properties of monk fruit sweetener also allow it to be used as a sweetener in recipes, for cooking or baking without losing its sweetness.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar, also known as coconut palm sugar, made from the sap of the coconut palm tree. Containing small amounts of essential minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium is the natural feature of coconut sugar. Similar as monk fruit sweetener, coconut also owns a lower glycemic index, has the benefit of reducing the risk of sugar spikes and crashes. In particular, coconut sugar contains a dietary fiber called inulin, which helps promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supports digestive health.
Stevia
Stevia is sourced from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. It’s also a type of healthy zero calorie sweetener and has low glycemic index. Ensuring its natural origin makes it a good alternative to processed sugar. Some research suggests that stevia may have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. But one thing is that some people may feel that stevia has a slightly bitter taste, children may not be able to adapt to this taste, so other natural sugars can be chosen as substitutes.
Conclusion
The emergence of natural sugars not only brings more possibilities to the added sugar market, but also strives to provide children with healthier intake conditions. By taking natural substances, children’s growth and nutritional intake are beneficial, and to a certain extent, the adverse effects of processed sugar on the human body are also eliminated.
But we should also note that although natural sugar has many more nutrients and benefits to the body than refined sugar, excessive intake of any “healthy” sugar will have the opposite effect. Therefore, “moderation” is something that must be paid attention to, especially in the preparation of children’s diets, and it must not be sloppy.
Explore Natural Sweeteners at SED Ingredients
SED Ingredients offers high quality natural sweeteners for you, our range of premium sweeteners are sourced from the finest ingredients to ensure purity and exceptional taste. Committed to excellence, we deliver products that not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also support a healthier lifestyle. Contact us to get latest quote as well as MOQ and sample issues!