Four natural alternatives to sugar and how they compare

Natural sugars may appear less harmful, and some even have health benefits, yet they should still be used sparingly, hears Liz Connor

Refined sugar is everywhere, from your cereal to your cupboard sauces.

Eating sugar shouldn’t be demonised, and tucking into a bar of chocolate after a stressful day is nothing to punish yourself about. That said, it’s sensible to eat the white stuff in moderation, as you probably already know that too much isn’t good for you.

Not only can it wreak havoc on your teeth and your skin, but a high-sugar diet is also linked to obesity, which can increase the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.