Sugar is one of the most common and tempting ingredients in our food, but it can also be harmful for people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications, such as nerve damage, kidney failure, and heart disease. Therefore, people with diabetes need to limit their intake of added sugars and choose alternative sweeteners that do not affect their blood glucose levels.
One of the newest and most promising sugar substitutes is organic allulose, a natural sweetener that has only 10% of the calories of regular sugar and does not raise blood sugar levels. But what is organic allulose, and is it safe for people with diabetes?
What is organic allulose?
Organic allulose is a type of sugar that is found naturally in small amounts in some fruits, such as figs, raisins, and jackfruit. It is also produced from organic corn using a natural enzymatic process. Organic allulose has the same chemical structure as fructose, the sugar found in fruits, but it is processed differently by the body. Unlike fructose, organic allulose is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not contribute to the body’s energy needs. Instead, it is mostly excreted in the urine, with a small amount being fermented by the gut bacteria.
Organic allulose has a similar taste and texture to table sugar, but it is about 70% as sweet. It can be used in baking, cooking, and beverages, as it behaves similarly to sugar in terms of browning, caramelization, and freezing point. However, it may cause some digestive discomfort, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, if consumed in large amounts.
What are the benefits of organic allulose for people with diabetes?
Organic allulose has several advantages for people with diabetes, as it does not affect blood sugar levels, insulin levels, or glycemic index. Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high glycemic index, such as white bread, potatoes, and regular sugar, can cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin, which can be harmful for people with diabetes. Foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, beans, and nuts, can help control blood sugar and insulin levels, and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications.
Organic allulose has a glycemic index of zero, which means it has no impact on blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable sweetener for people with diabetes, as it can help them satisfy their sweet cravings without affecting their blood glucose management. Moreover, some studies have suggested that organic allulose may have additional benefits for people with diabetes, such as:
- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a common complication of diabetes.
- Enhancing fat metabolism and reducing body weight and fat mass, which can improve insulin sensitivity and prevent obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes.
- Protecting the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin, from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can prevent or delay the progression of type 2 diabetes.
What are the risks of organic allulose for people with diabetes?
Organic allulose is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and has been approved for use in several countries, such as Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and South Korea. However, there are some potential risks and limitations of organic allulose for people with diabetes, such as:
- Causing gastrointestinal side effects, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, if consumed in excess. The FDA recommends limiting the intake of organic allulose to 0.4 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, which is equivalent to about 9 teaspoons for a 150-pound person.
- Interfering with the accuracy of some blood glucose meters and test strips, which may give false readings of high blood sugar levels. This is because some devices use a method that measures all sugars, including organic allulose, in the blood sample. People with diabetes who use organic allulose should check with their health care providers and device manufacturers to ensure that their blood glucose monitoring is reliable.
- Not providing any nutritional benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or fiber, that are found in natural sources of sugar, such as fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Organic allulose is still a processed and refined product, and should not replace whole foods in a balanced and healthy diet.
Conclusion
Allulose sweetener is a natural and low-calorie sweetener that does not raise blood sugar levels and may have some beneficial effects for people with diabetes. However, it may also cause some digestive discomfort and interfere with some blood glucose meters. People with diabetes who want to use organic allulose should consult their health care providers, limit their intake, and monitor their blood glucose levels carefully. Organic allulose is not a magic bullet for diabetes management, and should be used as part of a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan that includes medication, exercise, and nutrition.
