7 Sugar Dentist Friendly Sugar Alternatives to Feed a Sweet Tooth
No, it’s not your imagination. Sugar is addictive. Yes, sweets are tasty, but it’s not just flavor that compels you to scarf down candy, ice cream, and crispy donuts like there’s no tomorrow. It’s actually brain chemistry — a release of endorphins (happy chemicals) in your brain whenever you taste something sweet. Your body craves not only the flavor, but the brain high that happens whenever we eat sugar. There is serious scientific evidence for sugar addiction. You’re not fooling yourself: You’re cravings are real.
But the good news is you can satisfy these same brain urges with natural alternatives to sugar that don’t eat your teeth or cause you to gain weight. You’ll have fewer cavities, so it’s great for dental care and your dentist will be happy. And you’ll also feel better about yourself and be able to follow through on your diet. Check out these 7 alternatives to sugar.
Raw Honey
Raw honey from flowers is rich in healthy vitamins A, C, D, E and K, various B vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium and live enzymes. These are removed from the honey when it’s processed. Raw honey also contains bifidobacteria, a group of bacteria good for digestion that also acts as a probiotic. In fact, raw honey even boosts the stomach’s production of bifidobacteria, which is great for warding of disease and other harmful bacteria.
Dark Chocolate
I know, we said candy feeds a sugar addiction and can lead to tooth decay, but dark chocolate is the exception. Notice we said dark chocolate — we’re talking chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa, not the sugar loaded milk chocolate stuff you’ll see at the grocery checkout aisle. Dark chocolate contains more chocolate than sugar, so it’s better for your teeth but still feeds your sugar craving. Dark chocolate is actually a super food high in antioxidants, healthy fats, polyphenols and trace minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, iron and potassium. It’s good for your body and not hard on your teeth, so it’s great for dental health. And yes, your dentist would approve!
Dried Fruit
Looking for something sweet? Fruit contains a natural sugar that’s not hard on your teeth like traditional sugars. The best is dried fruit with the juices evaporated out, so you’re left with the good stuff. Be sure to purchase the unsweetened varieties, as some dried fruit is rolled in sugar, which definitely defeats the purpose.
Snack Bars
You have to be a little discerning with this one, as not all snack bars are low in sugar. But there are healthy options out there, especially as the hiking culture has become a popular market. Cliff bars are a nice option — and pretty tasty too. Read the ingredients on the label. Avoid anything with corn syrup or ingredients that have sugar listed at the top.
Homemade Popsicles
Since homemade popsicles are DIY by definition, you’re in control, which means you get to decide how healthy they are. Make them with a mixture of fruit juice and water. Yogurt is also a great choice. Pour into a popsicle mold. Freeze overnight.
Fruit & Veggie Chips
Fruit and veggie chips are cut into thin slices and then baked. They can be surprisingly good and a great way to feed your sugar craving. They are also a great way to boost your veggie intake and your daily dose of vitamins. This can lower your risk to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Be aware that some store bought brands are loaded in added sugar, so read the ingredients with a discerning eye. Better yet, make your own!
Sugar Free Chewing Gum
Not many people realize this, but your dentist is actually a great fan of gum — so long as it’s sugar-free. Chewing gum increases the saliva in your mouth, giving your teeth and gums a natural bath that can cleanse it of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Sugar free gum can also help satisfy those sugar cravings. But again, chewing sugar free gum is key, as regular gum is loaded with sugar and can actually lead to serious tooth decay.