Even if you have diabetes, you can still consume sweet-tasting food and beverages without risking your health. It is just a matter of knowing which sweeteners are safe and do not spike your blood sugar levels. Along with this, safe also means keeping you healthy regardless of your sugar levels, which some natural sweeteners can offer, as opposed to artificial sweeteners, which can keep your blood sugar levels balanced but may lead to unhealthy side effects like cancer, according to MayoClinic.com.
Chicory Root
Chicory root comes from a perennial herb that offers a sweet flavor, without any calories or sugars that spike your blood sugar level. This herb can be identified by its small blue, white or lavender flowers and unlobed, pointed leaves, which can be used in salads. Its roots are used commercially. MayoClinic.com suggests eating chicory for its prebiotic benefits of feeding beneficial bacteria in your intestines. Prebiotics have been shown to improve immune system and bowel function, calcium absorption, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, colitis and gastroenteritis. Chicory contains insulin, a dietary fiber. Check with your health care practitioner before you use chicory root on a regular basis.
Naturally Processed Stevia
Stevia is derived from a plant. Some forms of stevia use water to naturally and minimally process the sweetener, making it safe for diabetics or anyone, because the stevia does not contain insulin-raising elements, calories or chemical side effects. It is more bitter than table sugar, but that may depend on how much you use, because stevia is many times stronger than table sugar. Once cup of sugar equals 1 tsp. of powdered stevia. Some manufacturers chemically extract stevia to eliminate bitterness for consumer appeal. Newer forms of stevia are chemically processed using methanol, which is called rebaudioside, or reb-A, which is found in most stevia-containing drinks.
Xylitol
Xylitol is derived from fruit fibers, mushrooms and other plants. It is newer to the market and can be found at health food stores and some standard grocery stores in a crystallized form or in chewing gums.
