Decoding the Sweet Debate: Can Diabetics Eat Date Syrup?
• Date syrup contains a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is beneficial for health with its rich nutritional profile.
• Date syrup has a low glycemic index.
• Diabetic individuals should prefer low-medium glycemic index foods.
• People with diabetes can include date syrup in their diet in appropriate portions.
What Is a Date Syrup?
Date syrup is a product extracted from dates. We first cut the date into pieces to make date syrup after removing the seed. Then, we soak the date pieces in boiling water (60 °C) for 15 minutes. Finally, we filter the mixture. Date syrup is rich in carbohydrates but low in fat and protein. It is cholesterol-free and contains almost no sodium. It has high calories and high sugar, especially fructose and glucose. But its glycemic index is low.
Date syrup is naturally sweet and acts as a sweetener. So, it is an excellent alternative to refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Also, date syrup includes amino and organic acids, polyphenols, and carotenoids.
Is Date Syrup Good For You?
Date syrup has a rich nutritional profile. It increases the nutritional value of the products when consumed together.
It is beneficial for intestinal health with its fibers and has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Date syrup contains a high amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants remove free radicals that can cause diseases in the body. Date syrup contains antioxidants and can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Diabetic Diet
Diabetic people should take appropriate amounts of nutrients to have a balanced diet. Diabetes nutrition treatment aims to control blood sugar. Both sugary and starchy carbohydrates can raise blood sugar. High glycemic index foods cause fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels. People with diabetes should choose the right amount and type of carbohydrates in their diets and consume moderate-low glycemic index foods.
A diet containing fiber-rich foods is essential for diabetic individuals. Because when you consume fiber, blood sugar rises slower. Diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, diabetic patients should reduce their cholesterol and saturated fat intake.
American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following for diabetic individuals:
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Eat lean protein.
- Choose foods with less added sugar.
- Avoid trans fats.
- Consume less processed food.
Is Date Syrup Good for Diabetes?
Date syrup has an impressive nutritional profile and sweetness, but its high carbohydrate content may be a concern. But date syrup has a low glycemic index. It is recommended that diabetic patients consume foods with a low-medium glycemic index for blood sugar control. A study has shown that consuming three dates a day can help regulate blood sugar with the fiber and antioxidants it contains.
Date syrup does not contain cholesterol and is appropriate for a diabetic diet.
Date syrup will be delicious and nutritious on a diabetic diet. Especially adding to foods such as yogurt and milk will help you stay full for longer. It will also lead to slow absorption of carbohydrates.
The right amount of date syrup is a safe nutrient for people with diabetes.
Summary
Scientific Information
- Glycemic Index (GI) – is a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates. It shows how each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.
- Antioxidants – help prevent cells from being damaged by these free radicals and help the body stay healthy. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables, including dates.
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