300 times sweeter than cane sugar but helps stabilize blood sugar

There are some types of sugar that not only do not cause blood sugar spikes but are also good for your health. Stevia is one of them .

Many people think that diabetics need to absolutely abstain from sweets, especially sugar, honey. However, the truth is not necessarily so, because there are some types of sugar that not only do not cause hyperglycemia but are also good for health. Stevia sugar is one of them.

According to MSc. Dr. Dang Ngoc Hung (Institute of Nutrition Research and Consulting): "People with diabetes or on a diet to lose weight should prioritize using stevia sugar."

The expert revealed that this is a natural sweetener , which is not in the sugar group . Although it is 300 times sweeter than regular sugar, it does not produce energy. Therefore, it can help diabetics satisfy their taste buds without worrying about harming their health.

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener with antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties.

"Today, many health organizations, including the US FDA, have approved stevia as a safe sugar. Therefore, if we want to control blood sugar for diabetics or want to lose weight, we should use this type of sugar, " said Master, Doctor Dang Ngoc Hung.

What is stevia?

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener with antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Stevia contains compounds called steviol glycosides that are about 150-300 times sweeter than cane sugar . However, stevia is so low in calories that it is scientifically a "calorie-free" product.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) say stevia can be beneficial for people with diabetes when used appropriately . In a 2018 study, experts tested the effects of coconut jelly sweetened with stevia. The results showed that the blood sugar levels of people who ate this coconut jelly began to decrease 60-120 minutes after eating the jelly, even before insulin was released.

Stevia contains compounds called steviol glycosides that are about 150–300 times sweeter than cane sugar.

Unlike artificial sweeteners and sugars, stevia can suppress your plasma glucose levels and significantly increase sugar tolerance.

Stevia also has the ability to increase insulin production, increase the effect of insulin on cell membranes, stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Replacing this type of sugar can also reduce the number of calories a person consumes, which could potentially aid in weight loss. Excess weight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and its complications, including heart and kidney problems.

How do diabetics use sugar substitutes?

Doctors warn patients not to think that sugar substitutes are a safe bet. They can cause blood pressure to drop to extremely low levels or interact with medications that lower blood sugar.

Stevia has the ability to increase insulin production, increasing the effect of insulin on cell membranes.

When choosing foods containing stevia, you also need to pay attention to other ingredients to see if they are healthy or not.

In general, diabetics do not have to give up sugar completely, but they should pay attention to their sugar intake. Moreover, diabetics should try to diversify their daily diet. It is best for diabetics to eat some sugar-free fruits and vegetables to help supplement fiber, promote intestinal motility, and delay the increase in blood sugar.

For this group of patients, regular health monitoring is very important to control the disease condition.

People can consult their doctor or nutritionist for advice on the best diet for them.