¿Cuál es el azúcar más saludable?

There are three types of sugar: free sugar, added sugar, and intrinsic sugar. Of these three, the only one that can be considered healthy is the third one. In this blog post, we briefly explain what each of them consists of and how to differentiate them!
Additionally, by clicking this article, we tell you why you shouldn't consume refined sugar and should only consume the one naturally found in foods.

Types of Sugar

Free Sugar

How are these sugars released? In all whole foods, there is a matrix (like a framework), where all nutrients are integrated: fiber, sugars, vitamins, and minerals. When this matrix is broken (for example, by squeezing an orange), it breaks apart and the sugars are released, turning from intrinsic sugar to free sugar.

Added Sugar

Added sugar is undoubtedly the least recommended of the three. It can be introduced either in a pastry recipe, in industrial cookies, or simply by adding a packet of sugar to coffee. How to know if a product contains added sugar? By reading the label. If the following terms appear in the ingredient list, you're looking at a product with added sugars:
  • Sucrose
  • Glucose syrup / fructose / inverted sugar
  • Agave / birch / coconut / rice syrup
  • Honey / panela / cane sugar
  • Maltodextrin

Intrinsic Sugar: One of the Healthiest Types of Sugar

Intrinsic sugars are the sugars naturally present in foods, and these are the ones we should prioritize when consuming. Eating whole fruits and vegetables provides countless benefits:
  • We consume the food with the complete matrix.
  • The naturally present sugars are absorbed more slowly due to the presence of fiber.
  • It will provide more satiety due to chewing, water, and fiber content.
The sugar-free diet is becoming more popular among adults who want to take care of themselves. Reducing sugar intake is not only for those who want to lose weight, it's quite common among those who want to follow a healthy diet. But... is a sugar-free diet really healthy? In this article, we will clear up any doubts. Nowadays, we consume a much higher amount of sugar than recommended. Sugar is hidden in everyday products that are not sweet (dressings, sauces, bread, prepared foods...), which leads us to consume more sugar than we realize.

El dátil, el sustituto natural del azúcar

We all want to keep enjoying sweet foods, but... how can we do it in a healthy way? One thing is clear: dates have revolutionized our kitchens, but... what benefits and properties do dates have?

All the Health Benefits of Dates:

  • High content of fiber.
  • Rich in vitamins A, B, and C.
  • Great source of iron that, when combined with vitamin C, facilitates its absorption.
  • High in potassium and calcium.

5 Benefits of Dates:

  • Prevention of neurological diseases such as stroke or dementia.
  • Improves bone health thanks to its high calcium content.
  • Its glucose content makes it the ideal and healthy extra dose of energy.
  • Its iron content helps counteract anemia. It is highly recommended for elderly people with this condition, as it increases red blood cells.

The 4 Reasons to Sweeten with Date Paste:

1. Dates Do More Than Just Add Sweetness

The date, the fruit of the date palm, has been used for millennia not only as a fundamental ingredient in certain cultures but also as an energy food used by athletes.

Dates are rich in carbohydrates, a source of fiber, and not only that, they are also incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals. In this blog post, you'll find all the benefits of sweetening with date paste.

2. It Adds a Natural Flavor

Unlike artificial sweeteners and some types of refined sugar, when considered a well-processed food, sweetening with dates adds a completely natural flavor. Forget the metallic aftertaste left by many artificial sweeteners and start enjoying the real flavor of food.

3. Sweetening with Date Paste Doesn’t Affect Your Microbiota

More and more scientific studies are pointing out that the overuse of sweeteners in our diet can affect our gut flora. Why resort to these types of products when you can provide a real benefit to your diet?

4. Date Paste is Better Than Date Syrup

Although both foods are made from dates as the main ingredient, there are several differences between date syrup and date paste:

  • Date syrup has added water, and during its production process, all fiber, vitamins, and minerals are lost, leaving only free sugars.
  • In the production of date paste, the fruit is only crushed, undergoing minimal processing, and thus retains much of its nutrients.

As you’ve seen in this article, a sugar-free diet isn't so complicated, and if you have more questions, what are you waiting for to visit our blog on healthy living? You’ll find all the answers.

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Who said eating healthy is boring?