The consumption of sweetened food and drinks has been a major concern for public health. High intake of sugar leads to various health complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases.
Artificial sweeteners have been introduced as a solution to this problem as they provide sweet taste without added calories or carbohydrates. Oligothermic sweeteners are a type of low-calorie sweeteners that provide the same sweet taste as sugar but at a very low concentration. However, there is a concern about the impact of these sweeteners on post-lunch glucose and insulin levels.
This article aims to explore whether oligothermic sweeteners affect post-lunch glucose and insulin levels.
What are Oligothermic Sweeteners?
Oligothermic sweeteners are a type of low-calorie sweeteners made from oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of a few sugar molecules linked together.
These sweeteners are produced from agricultural products such as sugar beet and sugarcane and are used as a sugar substitute. Oligothermic sweeteners are very low in calories and can be used to replace sugar in various food and drink products.
Why are Oligothermic Sweeteners a Good Choice?
There are many reasons why oligothermic sweeteners are a good choice. Firstly, they provide the same sweet taste as sugar but at a very low concentration.
This means that they can be used to replace sugar in various food and drink products without adding extra calories or carbohydrates. Secondly, oligothermic sweeteners are safe for people with diabetes as they do not affect blood glucose levels. Thirdly, oligothermic sweeteners are safe for teeth as they do not promote tooth decay.
How do Oligothermic Sweeteners Affect Post-lunch Glucose and Insulin Levels?
There is controversy about whether oligothermic sweeteners affect post-lunch glucose and insulin levels. Some studies have shown that these sweeteners do not affect glucose and insulin levels while other studies have shown that they do.
However, a recent study conducted by the University of Sydney showed that oligothermic sweeteners do not affect post-lunch glucose and insulin levels.
The Study
The study involved 20 healthy participants who were given a standardized lunch consisting of white bread, cheese, ham, and tomato. The participants then consumed either water or water with 10 grams of oligothermic sweeteners.
Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured before lunch, 15 minutes after lunch, and every 30 minutes for 2 hours after lunch. The results of the study showed that post-lunch glucose and insulin levels were unaffected by oligothermic sweeteners.
The study concluded that oligothermic sweeteners can be used as a sugar substitute without affecting post-lunch glucose and insulin levels.
Conclusion
Oligothermic sweeteners are a good choice for people who want the sweet taste of sugar without added calories or carbohydrates. They are safe for people with diabetes and do not promote tooth decay.
The recent study conducted by the University of Sydney showed that post-lunch glucose and insulin levels are unaffected by oligothermic sweeteners. Therefore, it can be concluded that oligothermic sweeteners can be used as a sugar substitute without affecting post-lunch glucose and insulin levels.