A product such as HFCS (High-Fructose Corn Syrup) is not the same as eating fresh organic corn and the assumption that “it’s made from corn” so therefore is “natural” is a dangerous one for anyone trying to prevent cancer, fight cancer, or keep cancer from coming back. 

Natural sweeteners are determined by the “refining” process. The less steps a product goes through, the more natural it is, and that is better for your body. These are a few of the most common – though not as widely used.

Honey has been used by human beings for almost ten thousand years. It contains minerals, enzymes, and vitamins that have been found to be antibacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory. It contains calories but research shows that the insulin increase from honey is slower and less dramatic than table sugar. Delicious, nutritious, and natural when purchased “organic” and “raw,” honey should still be used in moderation.

 Maple Syrup is produced by withdrawing the sap, boiling it down to evaporate water content, and that is basically the end of the refining process. Further boiling results in maple sugar. Until the honey bee’s appearance in the 1600s, maple sugar was the only sweetener available to those in North America.

 Molasses is a by-product of the sugar refining process. When all the nutrients are stripped from the sparkling white table sugar, molasses is where they end up. The flavor can be strong but used sparingly, it provides a unique sweetness to baked goods and added to meat marinades.

 Coconut Sugar occurs when juice is distracted and boiled down to crystal form. The production of this sugar remains small so color and texture vary from brand to brand. Sweet but mild, the flavor is particularly good when used with marinades or curries.

 Date Sugar is the result of dried dates that are ground into powder. Though it doesn’t dissolve well in liquid, it’s excellent in baked foods in place of brown sugar (and is a bit sweeter).

 Stevia comes from a sweet herbal plant that originates in South America but it is only “natural” when used in the green form. Those are the leaves which have been dried and ground into powder. Stevia that is white or clear has been chemically processed and is no longer “natural” – it should be avoided. Ancient tribes used this herb as a contraceptive so this is not the sweetener you should use if you’re trying to get pregnant.

Final Note…  All “sweeteners” should be used in moderation. As one of cancer’s favorite building blocks and sources of fuel, limiting your diet of all forms of sugar is your best choice. When you need a sweetener, choose the least refined options available to you.