Tag: Diabetes sweeteners

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), stevia is a safe sugar substitute for people with diabetes, unlike jaggery, which has a high glycemic index. Understanding the fundamental difference between jaggery and stevia is crucial for making informed dietary choices, especially for those managing blood sugar levels.

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in mushrooms, celery, and fruits, which, unlike sucrose, is only partially absorbed by the human body. This incomplete absorption is the primary reason it is often considered a low-calorie alternative to sugar, with a significantly lower impact on blood glucose levels.

According to the CDC, over 38 million Americans have diabetes, necessitating careful management of sugar intake. Natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit offer a way to enjoy sweetness without impacting blood sugar, but the question remains: what's better for diabetics, stevia or monk fruit?

According to the FDA, purified stevia extract is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS), while recent studies from the Cleveland Clinic link high levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This new research prompts a critical question for many consumers: are stevia and xylitol bad for you?