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Natural Sugar Alternatives for People with Diabetes

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Natural Sugar Alternatives for People with Diabetes

As a diabetic, you know that balancing your blood sugar levels is one of the main daily goals to manage your condition. Keeping your blood glucose levels regulated means making the right food choices, eating at certain times of the day, and knowing what your body feels like when your glucose levels are too high or too low.

One food choice some diabetics can make is switching to natural sweeteners, specifically coconut palm sugar, a type of sugar made from the sap of the coconut palm tree.

What makes it better?

This natural sweetener contains inulin, a fiber that has been found to be beneficial for balancing gut bacteria and controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. When distilled, this compound tastes much like brown sugar and can easily be used to flavor your favorite food and drinks.

Coconut palm sugar can be a healthier choice for people with diabetics than other sweeteners because it has less pure fructose in it. This gives the body less sugar to put into your bloodstream. This sweetener is also low on the glycemic index, which means consuming it in moderate amounts won’t cause dramatic spikes in your blood sugar.




Natural sweeteners and your diet

Of course, how coconut palm sugar affects your blood sugar levels also depends on what other foods you are eating, how they were prepared, and how your body processes sugar. It is recommended to consume any simple sugars in moderation, as excess amounts can have harmful side effects.

As always, check with your doctor or a nutritionist before adding anything to your diet. They will know how your body will react to different sweeteners, both natural and artificial.

References

Diabetes Self-Management. Accessed May 27, 2017.