Sweeten Your Day.

Sweets, are they good or bad for you? Well, that depends on the type of sweetener you use, the quality and the quantity. Remember that moderation is key. If you go out and eat a whole pie in one sitting , that is not moderation and I have nearly accomplished this. But if a little here and a little there works for you, by all means go for it.

White Sugar is not recommended for use at any time. It is the most processed form of sweetener and will most definitely raise your insulin level in your blood. Raised insulin levels lower your immune system and can promote weight gain. Also, white sugar is often processed through bone ash and has been supplemented with additives and preservatives.

Evaporated Cane Sugar is most commonly used to replace white sugar. Although it is nearly the same as white sugar, but it hasn't been filtered through charred bones and it is left at its raw state.

Agave Nectar is produced from the, you guessed it , agave plant. Which is also what tequila is made from. Now some say it has a low glycemic index, which won't spike blood sugar the way sugar does. This is still not confirmed, as some still argue against this. This is my favorite form of sweetener. It is easy to convert recipes with, and is sweeter than honey but less viscous.

Maple syrup is not only used for topping pancakes and waffles, but is a great way to put a little sweet into your baked goods, such as muffins or cakes. It also contains a high concentration of minerals. Pricey, as it takes 50 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup. Molasses is another thick syrup that is beneficial to baking and has healthful amounts of potassium, calcium and iron.

As you can see there are many ways to sweeten your day. So whatever your prefer choice of sweetener maybe, remember moderation is best.

Enjoy.

Vegan Chef Period.

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