Artificial sweeteners are abundantly consumed by people all over the world and especially by those who suffer from diabetes. The consumption of artificial sweeteners is a great topic of debate and therefore a lot of recent research has been made on natural alternative sweeteners for diabetics. Consuming fresh and naturally made sweeteners is highly recommended by medical experts, especially for diabetic patients.
Types of Natural Sweeteners
Consumption of naturally produced sweeteners is a better and more sensible option instead of risking your life by consuming artificial sweeteners with chemical ingredients. Natural sweeteners are the best alternative for patients suffering from diabetics. There are many types of alternative sweeteners which are produced naturally and their details are provided below:
Stevia
Stevia in its natural state is the best option for alternative sweetener. It is almost 300 times sweeter than table sugar with almost negligible glycemic index. This natural form of alternative sweetener is highly popular with diabetics as it does not increase the blood sugar levels. It is an herbal extraction from the stevia plant and is commercially available under brands such as Truvia and Purevia.
Xylitol
Xylitol is yet another natural sweetener which is found in fibrous fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol which might cause indigestion, diarrhoea and bloating when consumed initially. However, its glycemic index is minimal and is considered to be a healthy natural alternative sweetener. This sugar alcohol is a common ingredient for chewing gums as it helps to control cavities.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup acts as an excellent natural sweetener and is much safer to consume instead of refined table sugar. It has high contents of minerals like zinc and manganese which help to control cholesterol levels. It is relatively high in glycemic index and therefore causes blood sugar to spike. Diabetics are recommended to consume maple syrup in moderation.
Barley Malt Syrup
Barley Malt Syrup is a natural substitute for sugar which produces maltose. Its sweetening capacity is half of what we find in refined sugar. It has a molasses-like flavour and has a rich, dark brown colour. However it is relatively high in glycemic index.
Organic Sugar
Organic sugar is derived from sugar cane which is produced without using any kind of pesticides. It is not processed like refined sugar and therefore it is darker in colour. Organic sugar has a minimum content of molasses.
There are many types of natural alternative sweeteners which are available in the market for diabetic patients, but their effect on individual blood sugar levels is a factor which needs consideration. Hence, it is recommended for diabetic patients to read the nutrition label of products that they buy in the market to keep a check on their glucose level.
