For people with diabetes, limiting their intake of sugary foods and drinks is a necessity. To ensure their blood sugar levels are controlled and managed correctly, avoiding cuisines, dishes, and beverages with sugar and carbohydrate is a must. But is total sugar restraint really necessary? How about sugar substitutes?
Splenda is an artificial sweetener made from FDA-approved Sucralose. If you ask if it’s suitable for people with diabetes, the answer is a big YES! It is one of the widely used artificial sweeteners and an excellent alternative to sugar. Its manufacturer assured that Splenda is beneficial for diabetes and helps manage their blood sugar levels.
Is Splenda Good for Diabetics?
But what are artificial sweeteners? What are the benefits of sweeteners like Splenda for people with varying blood sugar levels?
Artificial sweeteners act as a substitute for regular table sugar. They are used for sweetening foods and beverages without affecting a person’s diet. They are low in calories, and unlike regular sugar, they do not contain carbohydrates. Thus, Splenda has no negative impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter compared to regular sugar.
Since its launch in 1992, Splenda has become a household favorite. Although its main ingredient, Sucralose, is produced in a laboratory, it has a similar chemical structure to table sugar or sucrose. It is also extra special because it is 600 times sweeter than regular sugar and beneficial to blood glucose levels.
Like other artificial sweeteners, Splenda is not a type of carbohydrate. Because of this, Splenda is not metabolized. In fact, this sweetener is deemed a free food, which can be both beneficial and safe, even for pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
What are some of the benefits of using Splenda?
It helps with weight loss – Studies suggest that using Splenda can help lose weight because of its low-calorie content.
It does not cause sugar cravings – Low-calorie sweeteners like Splenda do not excite taste buds. This is mainly because of the sweetness percentage in the product.
It’s suitable for your diet – The availability of Splenda makes it easier to manage blood sugar levels. Adding one packet of Splenda to your meal plan is enough to incorporate the right sweetness into your food. It does not contain high calories or carbohydrates, which are harmful to blood sugar.
What are the types of food that use Splenda?
- Soft drinks
- Gums
- Gelatins
- Dairy desserts
- Baked goods
- Shakes
Note: Not all foods have Splenda printed on the back of the packaging, especially on the ingredient list. So, look for the word Sucralose to identify a zero-calorie and carbohydrate-free product or beverage.
What are ways you can add Splenda to your diet?
- Add Splenda liquid sweetener on cold or warm beverages, such as tea, lemonade, or cocktails.
- If you want to add more sweetness to your breakfast meal, Splenda’s Brown Sugar Blend is a perfect pair for your oatmeal.
- If you are following a keto diet, Splenda is an ideal mix of keto pancakes, cookies, and other dishes.
There are different types of Splendas you can buy in supermarkets and groceries. However, make sure to limit your consumption of this sweetener to ensure your safety. Note that even if it’s safe for your health, it doesn’t have to be excessive. Lastly, ask your healthcare professional if adding Splenda to your diet is safe.
