Question from Betty Cameron
I just read your email about agave nectar, I’ve been using it as my only natural sweetener because I’m prediabetic and because of it’s low glycemic index. What kind of natural sweeteners can I use now? Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
The very best sweetener for diabetics is stevia, as it has no effect on blood sugar. But, it’s not very versatile and many people don’t like the aftertaste.
My favorite sweetener at the moment is evaporated cane juice. I seem to be able to eat small amount of this without having my blood sugar rise.
My best advice to diabetics is to not eat concentrated sweeteners, but instead satisfy your desire for a sweet with fresh low-sugar fruits such as cherries, and eat them with protein or fat (such as cream) to further reduce the elevation of blood sugar. And then eat only very small amount and s-a-v-o-r every bite.
Dear Debra, What do you think about using Xylitol as a sweetener for people with diabetes? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol Thank you for your time and great website!!!
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I was excited about xylitol at first because I thought I could eat it without concern. But it raised my blood sugar enough that I stopped eating it. So you could try it, but watch and see what it does to your blood sugar. It’s also very refined, though from a natural source, it’s not a whole food. My body likes coconut sugar best. I can eat several teaspoons per day with no effect. And it’s delicious! I’m actually eating some right now mixed with cocoa powder and grass-fed organic butter and cream and walnuts to make fudge.