Khaberni - Most coffee creamers contain additives and added sugars, but there is a potential healthy alternative: date caramel.
The date caramel recipe is simple: mix 15 Medjool dates in a blender with half a cup of unsweetened coconut milk (or almond milk), a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and a bit of cinnamon. A teaspoon of date caramel sweetens your coffee and provides some healthy fiber for the gut.
According to "Free Will Health," dates provide nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which enhance heart, bone, and brain health.
Nutritional Value Comparison
Stephanie Johnson, Assistant Professor in Clinical and Preventative Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University, explains: Two tablespoons of date caramel contain:
• 108 calories.
• 29 grams of carbohydrates, of which 24 grams are sugar.
• 3 grams of fiber.
• A small amount of fats and proteins.
By comparison, the same amount of coffee creamer may contain 60-70 calories, and sugar-free types are available, but they are usually higher in fat.
Use for Sweetening
Thus, consuming date caramel is better in its nutritional value, but it is rich in sugar, and should be used in moderation (one tablespoon), especially for diabetics.
Some recipes suggest adding date caramel to almond butter or nuts for sweetening, and achieving a snack rich in benefits.
Johnson says, "Dates are rich in essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6, all of which support the health of the heart, bones, and brain."
Reducing Inflammation
Dates are also rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, which reduce inflammation and protect your cells from oxidative stress, both of which in turn support the immune system, she added.
Furthermore, dates are high in fiber, which promotes gut health and slows down the absorption of sugar into the body.
