(White sugar vs brown sugar vs jaggery vs honey which is best for diabetic patients)
The majority of us prefer to have sweeteners. Among all, diabetes patients must watch their sugar consumption. However, most diabetic patients can control their blood sugar levels by choosing healthier alternatives to sugar. Moreover, diabetic people have difficulty picking the right sweeteners. This blog covers the most important topic “Can diabetic patients eat jaggery or any other sweeteners”.
White sugar
Nowadays, white sugar is regarded as the food that’s best to avoid. The final refined product after turning sugar cane into molasses is called white sugar. Intake of white sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels so it is not advisable to have white sugar for diabetic patients.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar is refined the same way as white sugar, but molasses is added separately. Despite coming from the same sources as white sugar, brown sugar is frequently recommended as a natural, healthier alternative. Compared to white sugar, brown sugar has a small reduction in calories and carbohydrates. White and brown sugar both raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes; therefore, it is preferable to avoid them to prevent diabetic complications like neuropathy,…
Jaggery
Jaggery’s nutritional qualities differ slightly because it has not been refined. Jaggery includes small levels of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Because of its natural qualities, jaggery is recommended as a better alternative to refined sugar. Jaggery has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white sugar, which is around 50.
However, it can result in a blood sugar increase since it is also a kind of sugar. Because of this, people with diabetes should consume jaggery in moderation. Jaggery that is natural and organic is much preferable to white sugar for people who are healthy and do not have diabetes.
Honey
Honey which comes completely from another source (honeybees) contains 80% carbohydrates and 20% water. It is a natural sweetener that includes numerous vitamins and minerals. Compared to sugar, honey is sweeter. Consuming honey in moderation is advised if you have diabetes.
If you want to include honey in your diet and your diabetes is under control, think about going with pure, organic, or raw natural honey. However, pregnant mothers should not consume raw honey as it’s not pasteurized.
Sugar alternatives
Here are some of the sugar alternatives preferable for diabetic patients
- Stevia
- Coconut palm sugar
- Date sugar
- Monk fruit extract
- Sucralose
- Tagatose
To sum up
Well, you might now got an idea of the topic” Can diabetic patients eat jaggery or any sweeteners”. Therefore, the consumption of brown sugar and white sugar does not provide any benefits to people with diabetes while jaggery and honey when consumed in moderation have some health benefits. Moreover, before consuming any sweeteners have a brief conversation about it with your doctor.