Allulose Sweetener THE SUGAR for DIABETICS

Allulose, also known as D-psicose, is a low-calorie sugar substitute that has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to table sugar.¹

Here are the key characteristics of allulose:

Nature and Sweetness

• Rare Sugar: It is classified as a "rare sugar" because it occurs naturally in very small amounts in foods like figs, raisins, maple syrup, molasses, and wheat.²

   

• Commercial Production: For commercial use, it is typically produced on a larger scale by using enzymes to convert fructose from sources like corn.³

   

• Sweetness Level: Allulose is about 70% as sweet as table sugar (sucrose).⁴

   

• Taste: It is highly valued for having a taste and texture very similar to sugar, with no bitter aftertaste often associated with high-intensity or artificial sweeteners.⁵

   

Calorie and Metabolic Profile

• Low Calorie: Allulose provides very few calories—about ⁶$0.2$ to ⁷$0.4$ calories per gram, or about one-tenth of the calories in regular sugar (⁸$4$ calories per gram).⁹

   

• Not Metabolized: The body absorbs allulose in the small intestine, but it is not metabolized for energy.¹⁰ Instead, it is quickly absorbed and then excreted in the urine.¹¹ This is why it has minimal calories.

   

• No Blood Sugar Spike: It does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels, making it a suitable sweetener for people with diabetes and those following ketogenic or low-carb diets.¹² The FDA has also exempted allulose from being counted as "total sugars" or "added sugars" on nutrition labels.¹³

   

Culinary Functionality

One of allulose's major advantages is its function in cooking and baking:¹⁴

• Baking Performance: Unlike many sugar substitutes, allulose browns and caramelizes when baked, similar to table sugar.¹⁵

   

• Texture: It adds bulk and volume to food products and contributes to a smooth, creamy texture in frozen desserts, helping to prevent the formation of hard ice crystals (a property known as humectancy).¹⁶

   

Potential Benefits

Preliminary research suggests allulose may offer some health benefits, although more human studies are needed:

• Dental Health: It is non-cariogenic, meaning it does not contribute to tooth decay.¹⁷

   

• Weight Management: Its minimal calorie content supports weight loss efforts.¹⁸

   

• Glycemic Control: It may help improve blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity.¹⁹