The new natural sweeteners like stevia, agave nectar, monk fruit and xylitol are better for you than refined white sugar. Sometimes much sweeter than sugar, these natural sweeteners have a lower glycemic index, which means that they don't raise the level of blood sugar significantly. Use them as substitutes for refined white sugar at the table and in cooking. These natural sweeteners are real sugars, and preferable to artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners which break down under heat.