Usually, diabetics are always advised to consume artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugar. Although artificial sweeteners do not raise blood sugar levels, they have side effects that can damage nerves. According to HJ Roberts, MD, the side effects of artificial sweeteners can be very dangerous, namely seizures and death. Other effects are headache/migraine, dizziness, joint pain, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, obesity, rash, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, blindness, deafness, palpitations, shortness of breath, restlessness, disturbance of speech, loss of sense of taste, ringing in the ears, vertigo, and dementia. So we need other sweeteners that are safer than artificial sweeteners. A safe alternative sweetener is none other than palm sugar.
There are four advantages possessed by palm sugar.
First, the taste is sweet and delicious, fitting with Asian and Indonesian tongues. Second, palm sugar has a very low GI glycemic index of 35, meaning that glucose uptake is slow so the pancreas doesn’t have to work as hard anymore. Not only for healthy people but it has also been proven that some diabetics have lower blood sugar levels after replacing white sugar with palm sugar. In addition, a low GI makes glucose absorbed slowly, which means that all energy is created in a slow form so that the body lasts longer. Third, during the manufacturing process, no chemicals are added at all, so it is safe for consumption. Fourth, palm sugar contains many useful pharmacological elements such as Riboflavin, Thiamin, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium, and others.
Riboflavin helps the formation of antibodies, helps produce energy, repairs damaged cells during the energy production process, and repairs digestive system tissues. Thiamin functions as a coenzyme in energy metabolism, helps the body use protein, and strengthens the nervous system. Niacin functions as a coenzyme in glucose, fat, and alcohol metabolism. In addition, Niacin also improves brain function and lowers LDL cholesterol levels. Ascorbic acid has an antibiotic function, prevents asthma, and can prevent cancer.
So if you want to continue to enjoy the sweetness without fear of the risk of diabetes, use palm sugar. Palm sugar is the solution to a healthy and delicious life
Source: http://healindonesia.com/2009/12/09/gula-aren-pemanis-alami-special-for-penderita-diabetes/