Sugar is one of the most widely used ingredients in food, but it also has many drawbacks, such as contributing to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Many people are looking for alternatives to sugar that can provide the same sweetness and functionality without the negative effects. The newest choice is organic sugar sugar, which is made from organically sugar beets and treated not the use of chemicals. It is a low-calorie, natural sugar replacement. But how does organic allulose sweetener affect the taste and texture of food? And is it a safe and healthy choice?
Table of Contents
What is organic allulose sweetener?
The scientific name for sugar is sucrose. Organic allulose sweetener is a low calorie sweetener that has 70% of the sweetness of sucrose.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), organic allulose sweetener provides about 0.4 calories per gram (g), which is significantly lower than the 4 calories per g in sugar. In addition, the body absorbs organic allulose sweetener but does not metabolize it into glucose, so it is virtually calorie free. According to the FDA, organic allulose sweetener has little to no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels.
Scientists can produce organic allulose sweetener in the laboratory, but it is also found naturally in some foods, such as dried fruits, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Other names for organic allulose sweetener include psicose, d-psicose, d-allulose, or pseudo-fructose.
What are the benefits of organic allulose sweetener?
Organic allulose sweetener has several benefits for consumers who want to reduce their sugar intake and enjoy a sweet taste without compromising their health. Some of the benefits are:
- It tastes like regular sugar: Artificial sweeteners can have a bitter or chemical taste that some people find unpleasant. Studies suggest that organic allulose sweetener tastes pretty similar to the sugar you know and loveAnd research shows that people find the sweetness of organic allulose sweetener comparable to sugar.
- It has low impact on blood sugar and insulin: Organic allulose sweetener is a good option for people with diabetes or prediabetes, as it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. A small-scale study from 2015 suggests that organic allulose sweetener may help to control glucose levels and improve insulin resistance. Another study showed that organic allulose sweetener reduced the glycemic response of a high-carbohydrate meal by 45% compared to sucrose.
- It may help with weight management: Organic allulose sweetener is a low-calorie sweetener that can help reduce the total calorie intake of a meal or snack. It may also have some effects on appetite and metabolism that can aid in weight loss. One study found that organic allulose sweetener increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation after a meal, compared to sucrose. Another study showed that organic allulose sweetener reduced body fat percentage, body fat mass, and body mass index (BMI) in overweight or obese adults who consumed a high dose organic allulose sweetener beverage for 12 weeks, compared to those taking a placebo.
- It has functional properties similar to sugar: Organic allulose sweetener can be used in various food applications, such as baking, confectionery, dairy, beverages, and sauces, as it has similar functional properties to sugar. It can provide bulk, texture, browning, moisture retention, and freezing point depression, among others. It can also enhance the flavor and aroma of other ingredients, such as vanilla and chocolate.
What are the drawbacks of organic allulose sweetener?
Organic allulose sweetener is a relatively new sweetener that has not been extensively studied for its long-term safety and effectiveness. Some of the drawbacks are:
- It is expensive: Organic allulose sweetener is not widely available and is more costly than sugar or other sweeteners. A 12-ounce bag of organic allulose sweetener can cost around $10 to $15, while a similar amount of sugar can cost less than $1.
- It may cause digestive issues: Organic allulose sweetener is not fully absorbed by the body and can pass through the digestive tract, where it may cause some side effects, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These effects are more likely to occur when consuming large amounts of organic allulose sweetener, such as more than 15 g per day.
- It is not approved in some countries: Organic allulose sweetener is approved by the FDA and some other countries, such as Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and South Korea. However, it is not approved in Canada or Europe, where it is considered a “novel food” that requires more testing and regulation.
Conclusion
Organic allulose sweetener is a natural, low-calorie sugar substitute that delivers the same taste and functionality as sugar. It has some benefits for people who want to reduce their sugar intake and improve their health, such as lowering blood sugar and insulin levels, helping with weight management, and enhancing the flavor and aroma of food. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as being expensive, causing digestive issues, and not being approved in some countries. Therefore, consumers should be aware of the pros and cons of organic allulose sweetener and use it in moderation and with caution.
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