Experts Say This Is the Number-1 Natural Sweetener to Use to Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Agave nectar is recommended by experts as a sweetener option for people with diabetes due to its low glycemic index (around 20), meaning it is digested slowly and causes less impact on blood sugar compared to table sugar, which has a GI of 80.
- The lower blood sugar impact of agave is attributed to its high fructose content (about 80%), which is metabolized in the liver before affecting blood glucose levels.
- Stevia is suggested as a no-sugar, zero-calorie alternative that may help reduce blood glucose levels, though it can have a bitter aftertaste and may cause gastrointestinal issues for some people.
- Experts emphasize limiting added sugars overall for diabetics or prediabetics, and recommend choosing sweeteners based on personal taste and using them in moderation rather than considering one sweetener inherently healthier than another.
