Experts Reveal the Number-1 Sweetener to Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes
Prevention • • health
Key Points:
- Experts recommend agave nectar as a sweetener for people with diabetes because it has a low glycemic index (around 20), meaning it raises blood sugar levels more slowly than table sugar, which has a glycemic index of 80.
- Agave's high fructose content requires metabolism in the liver first, which helps blunt blood glucose spikes compared to the equal glucose-fructose split in table sugar.
- Stevia is suggested as a no-calorie, natural sweetener option that may reduce blood glucose levels, though it can have a bitter aftertaste and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort for some.
- Limiting added sugars is important for diabetics and prediabetics, and replacing sugar with lower-GI sweeteners like agave in drinks and baking can be a helpful strategy.
- Ultimately, the choice of sweetener should be based on personal taste and used in moderation, as no sweetener is considered inherently healthier than another.
