Being diagnosed with diabetes requires patients to re-evaluate their diets and change habits to prevent the severe health threats that go along with this deadly condition. For many newly-diagnosed diabetics, sprinkling a spoonful of sugar in the morning cup of coffee is the most difficult habit to alter.
Fortunately, there are a lot of sugar alternatives out there that not only protect a diabetic's fragile health, but also taste great in coffee. The following are five all-natural examples:
Erythritol
This low-calorie sweetener is a sugar alcohol that naturally occurs in fruits. While erythritol exists naturally, the powdered form sold in grocery stores as a sweetener and used to sweeten beverages like coffee is usually produced through an industrial process.
Erythritol is a good sweetener for diabetics because it will not cause blood sugar or insulin levels to go up. Another reason why diabetics should consider this sweetener option is that erythritol does not negatively impact cholesterol levels or triglyceride intake.
Agave nectar
Agave nectar does contain sugar, but it does not cause blood sugar levels to go up as rapidly as refined sugar or some other sweeteners out there. It has a lower glycemic index measurement than refined sugar. It sweetens with fructose rather than glucose, and fructose is known for providing sweetening without causing an immediate impact on the bloodstream.
Agave nectar is particularly praised for its ability to sweeten coffee. It is produced from the agave plant, which is widely grown in Mexico and used to produce tequila.
Yacon syrup
This sweetener comes from the Yacon plant that grows in South America's Andes Mountains. Yacon syrup proves a sweetening effect thanks to its fructooligosaccharide content. It also contributes soluble fiber to recipes it is added to.
Xylitol
Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that will sweeten without impacting blood sugar or insulin in the body. Not only does xylitol function well as a sweetening alternative, but it is also noteworthy for potential benefits it brings in regards to dental health. Xylitol has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dental caries and tooth decay.
Stevia
This low-calorie sweetener comes from a plant that grows naturally in South America. Its calorie content is insignificant, but it is very sweet. Stevia not only offers a sugar alternative, but it also could potentially benefit the insulin sensitivity of diabetics.
One possible drawback of stevia is that it does contribute a distinct taste in addition to sweetening coffee and other recipes. Some individuals don't like the taste of stevia and therefore don't find this substance to be an effective sugar substitute.
For more information about how to improve the taste of coffee, contact Monin or a similar company.
Share11 January 2016
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