Intolerant to Sugar? Wheat? Milk?

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SWEETENERS

Because one has Hypoglycemia or is intolerant to sugar it does not mean one has to feel deprived as today there are many sweeteners on the market. There are natural organic plus a number of “synthetic” ones of which some are suitable and others are not, I tend to avoid them where possible and try to use the natural. Alternatively below are some of my favourite sweeteners.

Agave
Agave is a type of cactus of which there are many varieties this plant originated in Mexico and introduced to Europe during the 1900’s. This plant is very interesting as it has many uses. The points are very sharp and can be used as needles. A type of hemp as well as Tequila is made from this plant. The nectar is extracted and can be used as a sweetener for allsorts of cooking. However I have found that it is not suitable to use in biscuits. This syrup is very similar to use as pear concentrate  the following web page will give you more information http://www.sweetcactusfarms.com/products.

Rice Syrup
This would have to be one of the best I have used it in both of my cook books and also in many of the recipes that have been published in The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia’s newsletter rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is considered to be one of the healthiest sweeteners in the natural food industry, since it is produced from a whole food source and is made up of the simple sugars. Brown rice syrup is made by combining barley malt and brown rice and cooking the mixture until all the starch is converted to sugar. The mash is then strained and cooked down to a syrup that is only 20 percent as sweet as sugar. http://www.lundberg.com/info/faq_syrup.shtml

Apple and Pear Concentrate
Both of these are great to use to sweeten drinks some sweets and cakes, not really suitable for biscuits. However I prefer to use pear concentrate as it is less acidic and much softer to the palate.

Stevia
Stevia is actually a plant native to Paraguay, Stevia has been used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer for centuries. Stevia plant can be grown in Australia and is available on order from Nursuries. Also Stevia is available in leaf form, as a liquid and in powder form - this is what I use. I first discovered Stevia a few years ago and now use it almost as much as Rice syrup. In fact I sometimes use both if I need to make  especially in biscuits  it also is great to use for sweetening drinks both hot and cold
Because it is so concentrated it is very economical to use. For all the information please visit the following web site You will find just about everything there is to know as well as recipes etc,http://www.stevia.net/ and http://www.stevia.net/recipes.htm.

Xylitol
Xylitol, also called wood or birch sugar, can also be extracted from birch, raspberries, plums and corn. This is primarily produced in China. I have not used this a lot but the few times I have used have been impresed with it again below is all the information one may need: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol and http://www.xylitol.com.au/.

CRANBERRIES

Did you know Cranberries are very good for one’s system? Compared to other fruit they have more naturally occurring antioxidants therefore protecting the body from free radical damage and the chronic diseases associated with it. They also have “Anti-stick” properties which protect the body against harmful bacteria that may cling to the internal organs. Gum disease, urinary track infections and stomach ulcers could all be prevented with a regular serving of Cranberries.

1 cup of cranberries contains up to 4 times the RDI of vitamin Cranberries are also low in sodium and are a source of Vitamins A & B, calcium, phosphorus, and iron..  However Cranberries are extremely tart so to make them palatable they are best sweetened with Stevia. Because Stevia is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar only a very small amount is needed.

PLASTIC BOTTLES

Hi all,

Did you know this? Please consider.

Many people are unaware of poisoning caused by reuse of plastic bottles.

Some of you may be in the habit of using and reusing commercial drink bottles eg Aquafina Kinley Nestle Evian water bottles etc keeping them in your car or at work. This is not a good idea.

Apparently in Dubai a 12 year old girl died after long usage (16 months) of a SAFA mineral water bottle, as she used to carry the bottle to school daily for her drinking water.

The plastic (called PET or polyethylene tetrephthalate) used in these bottles contains a potentially cancerous element (called diethylhydroxyiamine or DEHA). The bottles are designed to be used safely once but not long term especially if subject to heat. Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down releasing carcinogens into your drinking water. Better to invest in a proper bottle designed for multiple useage.

This could be a serious health risk and prevention is better than cure.

HOW TO AVOID RISK

Check on the bottom of the bottle. There should be a triangular symbol on it and a number. If the bottle has a number equal to or greater than 5 it is safe. If under 5 then it may release cancer causing carcinoens into your water. Also be aware that most of these commercial bottles have a number of 1 and should never be reused.

If you are reusing a bottle with a number under 5, it would be wise to cease using them.

Your health may be compromised by using poor quality bottles.