Healthy Alternatives Within the Sugar Glycemic Index

The sugar glycemic index – admit it or not, it can be very hard to live without sugar or any type of sweetener in your recipes. The body can produce its own sugar and this is known as glucose. Aside from that, there are various sources where you can obtain sugar. However, you should know that these resources may not be the best option for you. If you are to check the sugar glycemic index, you will see that there are various alternatives available as well as their GI value. This can make it easier for you to determine which alternative is healthier and which to avoid. The GI index of sugar is helpful not just to those who are suffering from diabetes, but also to those who want to lose weight, those who are suffering from obesity and those who want to simply maintain a normal weight. The different sugar alternatives that you can find in the sugar glycemic index are the following:

• Glucose: this sugar is made by the body as it digests carbohydrates. Glucose serves as the body’s primary source of energy.
• Sucrose: this is commonly known as table sugar. This is made by processing sugar beets or sugar cane and is devoid of all the essential nutrients.
• Fructose: this is known as fruit sugar, which is usually found in tree fruits, melons, berries and honey.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup: this is made from starches such as corn, rice and wheat.
• Maltose: also known as malt sugar, which is produced from barley, wheat, grains or rice.
• Lactose: sugar which is found in milk.
• Date Sugar: this comes from dehydrated dates grounded into small pieces.

If you are to check the sugar glycemic index, you will see that the amount of glucose released by certain foods are measured based on a period of 2 or 3 hours. Foods that release glucose rapidly are rated higher on the index, while foods that release sugar slowly are rated lower. This could mean that if you mix foods with high and low rating, you can come up with a meal that can cause a moderate release of sugar in your bloodstream. The sugar glycemic index may not be able to provide you with all the necessary information that can help you determine the effect of certain foods in your blood sugar levels. However, it can tell you how quickly carbohydrates contained in foods can turn into sugar when it is inside your body.

Checking the sugar glycemic index can provide you information on what healthy alternatives can you opt for. Some of these alternatives may include stevia, agave nectar, fructose, brown rice syrup, apple juice, raw honey, barley malt syrup and amasake. So instead of using sugar in your meals, you might want to consider these alternatives instead to come up with an even healthier recipe.