Hyderabad neurologist reveals the healthiest sweetener to interchange white sugar: ‘Zero energy and secure for diabetics’

In a rustic the place morning chai and biscuits are day by day staples, the average Indian is significantly overshooting international sugar suggestions. As well being issues mount, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, has stepped ahead to settle the controversy on sugar substitutes. Additionally learn | Hepatologist reveals if brown sugar, honey, jaggery are literally ‘more healthy’ various to white sugar or not

Dr Sudhir Kumar recommends stevia because the healthiest sweetener, excellent for diabetics and weight administration. (Freepik)

Taking to X (previously Twitter) on February 6, Dr Kumar posed a easy query to his followers: “Which is the healthiest sweetener?”

His verdict? Stevia.

Why stevia takes the crown

In line with Dr Kumar, Stevia stands out because the superior selection for these seeking to fulfill a candy tooth with out the physiological value of refined sugar. He highlighted a number of advantages that make it a powerhouse for health-conscious customers.

Dr Kumar mentioned it’s best for weight administration, it doesn’t elevate blood sugar or insulin ranges, making it completely secure for diabetics. In contrast to sugar, it has no antagonistic impact on enamel, and since it’s considerably sweeter than sugar, solely very small quantities are required.

Dr Kumar mentioned, “The reply is: Stevia. Why is it the healthiest? Zero energy. Doesn’t elevate blood sugar or insulin. Secure for diabetics. No impact on enamel. Very small quantities wanted. Secure for day by day use, akin to with tea or espresso.”

“I wish to have my tea and occasional with no sweetener; however I do know there are individuals who cannot have un-sweetened tea/espresso,” Dr Kumar added as a ‘disclaimer’, acknowledging the cultural problem of quitting the sugar chilly turkey.

What’s stevia?

Stevia is a pure, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America. It has been used for hundreds of years by indigenous populations to sweeten tea and medicines, nevertheless it has solely gained international reputation in the previous few many years as a wholesome various to white sugar.

What about monk fruit?

For these on the lookout for alternate options to stevia, the neurologist additionally gave a nod to monk fruit. Whereas he famous it is a superb, wholesome choice, he cautioned that it could be dearer and fewer accessible for the typical shopper in comparison with stevia. Replying to a response to his tweet, Dr Kumar mentioned, “Monk fruit can be good (could also be dearer although).”

The physician’s recommendation comes at a time when the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that each adults and youngsters scale back their day by day consumption of free sugars to lower than 10 % of their complete vitality consumption. WHO means that pushing that restrict even decrease — to beneath 5 % (roughly 25 grams or 6 teaspoons per day) — offers important extra well being advantages.

Nevertheless, with hidden sugars in processed snacks and the ordinary sweetening of drinks, most Indians far exceed these limits, rising the danger of weight problems, sort 2 diabetes, and neurological issues.

Word to readers: This report is predicated on user-generated content material from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and doesn’t endorse them.

This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation.