Indulging Your Sweet Tooth with No Sugar Ginger Chews
Satisfying a sugar craving without the crash can be a challenge. But no sugar ginger chews offer a flavorful, better-for-you alternative to traditional candy. With a spicy-sweet kick of ginger, these chews provide guilt-free snacking pleasure.
In this article, well explore the benefits of no sugar ginger chews, reasons to choose them over regular candy, and how to make healthy ginger chews at home. Well also look at the evidence behind gingers health effects beyond just tasting delicious.
What Are No Sugar Ginger Chews?
No sugar ginger chews have a soft, gummy texture infused with warming ginger flavor. Unlike traditional gummy candies though, they are made without any added sugars. Popular brands use natural sweeteners like xylitol or erythritol instead.
You can find no sugar ginger chews in health food stores or online. Look for options free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Some brands also include immune-boosting ingredients like vitamin C or zinc.
Benefits of Choosing No Sugar Ginger Chews
Ditching the refined sugar found in most candy provides some clear nutritional advantages. Here are some of the top benefits of no sugar ginger chews:
- Lower in calories - Without heavy sugar, ginger chews are a lighter treat.
- Won't spike blood sugar - Sugar alcohols like xylitol have little impact on blood glucose.
- Gentler energy source - Avoid the sugar crash from candy highs.
- Tooth-friendly - Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria.
- Satisfies cravings - The sweet and spicy flavors curb a sweet tooth.
No sugar ginger chews let you indulge cravings moderately without derailing healthy eating goals. Just be sure to still consume sugar alcohols like xylitol in moderation.
Choosing Quality No Sugar Ginger Chews
With sugar-free treats rising in popularity, the options on store shelves continue to grow. But not all no sugar ginger chews are created equal in nutrition and quality.
Here are some tips for picking the best no sugar ginger chews:
- Check the ingredients list - Look for chews made only with recognizable, natural ingredients.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners - Sweeteners like aspartame can cause side effects.
- Seek organic - Organic chews avoid pesticides and GMOs.
- Read the nutrition facts - Lower calorie, higher fiber options are ideal.
- Consider added ingredients - Some chews include extra immune-boosting vitamins.
- Check reviews - Look for positive feedback on taste and texture.
Taking a few moments to read labels will help you find no sugar ginger chews made with your health in mind. Prioritize short ingredients lists with nutrients instead of junk.
How to Make Your Own Ginger Chews
For the healthiest treats possible, you can also make homemade no sugar ginger chews. This gives you total control over the quality of ingredients.
Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the dates, almond butter, ginger, vanilla and salt until a sticky dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in shredded coconut to coat.
- Place coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Store frozen in an airtight container up to 1 month.
You can customize your homemade ginger chews by swapping in different nuts and spices. For extra nutrition, try adding cocoa powder, cinnamon, or turmeric.
The Health Benefits of Ginger
Beyond just providing a sweet kick, ginger boasts an impressive nutrition profile. The spicy root contains antioxidants, minerals, and potent plant compounds.
Research indicates ginger may offer a variety of evidence-based wellness advantages. Heres a look at some of the top potential ginger health benefits:
May Ease Nausea
Ginger has a long history of use for alleviating nausea related to motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy, and more. Studies confirm it may be as effective as some anti-nausea medications, with fewer side effects.
May Reduce Pain
Multiple studies suggest ginger may modestly reduce various types of pain, including muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, and menstrual cramps. It is thought to act as a natural anti-inflammatory.
May Support Digestion
Ginger appears to boost the activity of digestive enzymes, potentially aiding digestion. It may also soothe stomach upset by relaxing the gut muscles.
May Lower Blood Sugar
Some research indicates ginger may support blood sugar control in people with diabetes and prediabetes. However, more studies are still needed.
May Protect Heart Health
Gingers anti-inflammatory abilities may support cardiovascular health. Studies link ginger to improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood clotting.
But keep in mind that research is still preliminary for many proposed ginger health benefits. More investigation is needed to confirm effects.
Is Eating Ginger Safe?
For most healthy adults, eating moderate amounts of ginger is considered safe with minimal risk of side effects. The Natural Medicines Database deems it possibly safe when used appropriately.
However, the following groups should exercise more caution with ginger:
- Pregnant women - High doses are not recommended as ginger may increase miscarriage risk.
- People on blood thinners - Ginger may boost bleeding risk.
- Those with gallstones - Ginger may increase bile production.
- Diabetics - May lower blood sugar; monitor levels closely.
Side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth irritation are possible but uncommon in amounts typically used for food and tea. Talk to your doctor before supplementing with medicinal amounts.
Choosing Ginger Chews Over Hard Candy
We all crave something sweet now and then. But not all candy is created equal when it comes to your health. No sugar ginger chews offer some clear advantages over old-fashioned hard candies:
Fewer Calories
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers provide little beyond straight sugar. A few ginger chews deliver flavor with far fewer calories.
Added Nutrients
Many no sugar ginger chews include extra immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. Hard candies contain no additional nutrients.
More Fiber
If made with whole food ingredients like dates or dried fruit, ginger chews offer a bit of filling fiber. Hard candies lack any fiber to slow sugar absorption.
No Sugar Crash
Refined sugars in hard candy lead to an energy crash once they spike your blood sugar. Ginger chews provide steady, sustained energy.
Fewer Cavities
Without heavy loads of sucrose or corn syrup, ginger chews pose far less risk to dental health. Hard candies linger on teeth, feeding bacteria.
While no candy is truly healthy, ginger chews are undoubtedly the better choice. Just practice portion control and limit yourself to a couple at a time.
Incorporating More Ginger Into Your Diet
Beyond ginger chews, there are plenty of tasty ways to add this healing herb into your meals and drinks. Here are some simple suggestions:
- Add grated ginger to stir fries, soups, and marinades.
- Mix into smoothies for a spicy kick.
- Steep sliced ginger in hot water for DIY ginger tea.
- Blend into salad dressings, sauces, and curries.
- Mix with lemon, honey, and hot water for a ginger detox tonic.
- Bake into healthy muffins, breads, and cookies.
Enjoy gingers bright, peppery taste by working it into both sweet and savory recipes. Start with just 14 to 12 teaspoon at a time and increase amounts slowly as your palate adapts.
Satisfy Cravings the Healthy Way
When a candy craving strikes, no sugar ginger chews can hit the spot without excess sugar. With antioxidants, fiber, and protective plant compounds from ginger, they offer a dose of nutrition missing from regular candy.
Moderating your intake of even healthy sweets is wise. But occasionally enjoying some spicy-sweet ginger chews can be part of a balanced diet. With a DIY option, you can control exactly what goes into making your treats.
Let your taste buds travel the flavor journey from sweet to heat. No sugar ginger chews provide the perfect bite-sized adventure!
FAQs
Are no sugar ginger chews keto-friendly?
Most no sugar ginger chews are made with sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol. These natural sweeteners have minimal impact on blood sugar, so ginger chews can fit into a keto diet when consumed in moderation.
How are no sugar ginger chews sweetened?
Common sweeteners used in ginger chews include xylitol, erythritol, stevia, monk fruit extract, and allulose. These provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels.
Do no sugar ginger chews have calories?
While significantly lower in calories than regular candy, no sugar ginger chews do contain some calories, generally ranging from 5-40 calories per piece. This is from ingredients like dates or nuts.
Are ginger chews good for nausea?
Yes, ginger is a traditional remedy for relieving nausea. The ginger in chews can help ease nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy side effects.
Can you make vegan ginger chews?
Absolutely! To make homemade ginger chews vegan, simply swap the almond butter for a vegan nut butter like cashew or sunflower seed butter. You can also use dates or raisins to bind instead of eggs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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