is jaggery better than sugar for diabetics - #22933
I am confused about whether jaggery is better than sugar for diabetics. A couple of weeks ago my aunt who has diabetes told me she switched to jaggery instead of regular sugar, saying it’s a natural sweetener and might be healthier. But then I read online that jaggery has the same amount of calories as sugar, and that it can still raise blood sugar levels. Last week, I tried to bake a cake using jaggery instead of sugar, thinking it would be a good option for my diabetic friends at a small gathering. But now I'm wondering if it was the right choice? Are there any benefits of jaggery over sugar, or is it just another form of sugar? My friend said jaggery has minerals and can be digested better, which sounds kinda good, but I don’t want to make things worse for anyone. I mean, if jaggery is better than sugar for diabetics, why doesn’t everyone just switch? I just need to know if it's really safe for my friends with diabetes or if I need to rethink the whole jaggery idea. Can jaggery help manage blood sugar levels or am I just falling for another health fad?
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Doctors' responses
Jaggery, often considered a healthier alternative to sugar due to its higher mineral content, still poses challenges for individuals with diabetes. It’s important to understand that despite being less processed than table sugar, jaggery contains sucrose much like regular sugar and can significantly raise blood glucose levels. For diabetics, controlling blood sugar levels is critical, and both jaggery and sugar can affect glycemic control. While jaggery does contain small amounts of minerals like iron and potassium, these benefits don’t compensate for its impact on blood sugar. Your friend’s idea that it’s easier to digest doesn’t change this fundamental issue with glycemic index. Jaggery and sugar both have high glycemic indices, meaning they can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes. Substituting jaggery is unlikely to be beneficial or safer for diabetic individuals. For baking or cooking, it’s better to consider sweeteners with a lower glycemic impact. Some alternatives like stevia or erythritol have negligible effects on blood sugar levels, making them more suitable for diabetic diets. If you’re preparing food for friends with diabetes, vigilance toward sugar content and using alternatives that don’t spike blood sugar is key. With any dietary modification, especially concerning diabetes management, it’s crucial to tailor choices to the individual’s health status. Avoid over-reliance on jaggery as a sugar substitute for diabetics, and focus on holistic approaches for managing diabetes.
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