Not your ordinary sugar—new natural sweetener offers hope to diabetics

A new natural sweetener has been discovered which may prove to be an effective deterrent against diabetes and obesity. Made from the same plant as tequila, the sugar substitute lowers blood sugar levels and provides a source of dietary fiber. Considering almost 26 million Americans struggle with type 2 diabetes, and countless others battle obesity, the sweetener could very well play a significant role in curbing disease.

Not your ordinary sweetener

Found in the agave plant, sweet-tasting agavins help encourage insulin production, which lowered blood glucose levels in animal tests. Additionally, researchers noted the sugar substitute assisted obese mice in losing weight. According to Forbes:

“Unlike sucrose, glucose, and fructose, agavins aren’t absorbed by the body, so they can’t elevate blood glucose, according to research by Mercedes G. Lopez, a researcher at the Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados, Biotechnology and Biochemistry Irapuato, in Guanajuato, Mexico.”

The article continues, stating that agavins boost “the level of a peptide called GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide-1), which triggers the body’s production of insulin, agavins aid the body’s natural blood sugar control. Also, because agavins are type of fiber, they can make people feel fuller and reduce appetite, Lopez’s research shows.”

For the study, Lopez and her team fed a group of mice a standard diet and added agavins to the animal’s water supply. The mice were weighed daily, while glucose levels were checked weekly. A majority of the mice who drank the agavins consumed less food, lost weight and experienced a drop in blood glucose levels.

- Read more at: www.thrive-living.net/2015/02/-NaturalNews-safe-sweeteners-tequila-agavins.html#sthash.wrqOG5Wk.dpuf

About the author

Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through ThriveLiving she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision. 

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