• Consuming too much refined sugar can contribute to health problems.sugar-basin and lump-sugar image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Consuming too much sugar can result in heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity, particularly when consumed in combination with unhealthy fats. Excessive refined sugar consumption also contributes to dental problems. With this in mind, consumers with health concerns look to replace refined sugar with natural sugar substitutes.
  
  

Fructose

• Fructose, a natural sweetener found in fruit, has the same sweetness as sugar and can be purchased in crystallized form at health food stores. Because of its name, the sweetener can be mistaken for high fructose corn syrup. When substituting fructose in recipes, use five tablespoons for a half cup of sugar.
  
  

Honey

• Honey contains antioxidants known to fight age-related disorders, according to University of California, Davis biochemist Heidrun Gross. Honey comes from the nectar of different flowers and varies in color and flavor. For example, a very light amber honey comes from wildflowers, while slightly darker amber honey comes from orange blossoms. Generally speaking, dark-colored honey has a richer flavor than light-colored honey. Use a one to one ratio when replacing sugar with honey in a recipe.
  
  

Stevia

• Stevia, a sweet herb grown originally in South America, can be purchased in liquid or powder form at regular supermarkets and health food stores. Add stevia to food in small quantities and taste as you go. Just one teaspoon of stevia equals in sweetness to one cup of sugar.
  
  

Birch Sugar

• Unlike processed sugar, birch sugar supports healthy bones and teeth. Birch sugar contains Xylitol, a naturally-occurring sweetener found in vegetables and birch bark, which has 40 percent less calories than refined sugar. The sugar substitute must be used in moderation as too much birch sugar can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Birch sugar can be used in same amounts as sugar. This product has FDA approval.
  
  

Maple Syrup

• Real maple syrup works effectively as a sweetener but can alter a recipe's final flavor. University of Rhode Island researcher Navindra Seeram indicates that minerals in maple syrup provide antioxidant defense. Use a one to one ratio when replacing sugar with maple syrup in a recipe.