Organic allulose is a type of rare sugar that is derived from organic sources, such as sugar cane or corn. It has a similar taste and texture to regular sugar, but with much fewer calories and carbs. It also does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes or metabolic disorders. In this article, we will explore some of the potential benefits and risks of organic allulose as a sweetener.
What is Organic Allulose?
Allulose is also known as D-psicose. It is a monosaccharide, or a single sugar molecule, that has the same chemical formula as fructose, but with a different arrangement of atoms. This difference in structure prevents your body from processing allulose the way it processes fructose. Although around 70% of the allulose you consume is absorbed into your blood through your digestive tract, it leaves your body via your urine, without being used as fuel.
Allulose is naturally present in only a few foods, such as wheat, figs, raisins, maple syrup and molasses. However, the amount of allulose in these foods is very small, so manufacturers have also used enzymes to convert fructose into allulose artificially. Organic allulose is made from organic sources of fructose, such as organic sugar cane or corn.
Allulose is about 70% as sweet as sugar, which is similar to the sweetness of erythritol, another popular sweetener. It does not have the bitter or chemical taste found in some other artificial sweeteners. It also has similar properties to sugar, such as browning and caramelizing when heated. This makes it suitable for baking and cooking.
What are the Benefits of Organic Allulose?
Organic allulose may offer some health advantages over regular sugar and other sweeteners. Here are some of the potential benefits:
- Low in calories: Organic allulose provides only 0.4 calories per gram (g), compared with 4 calories per gram in table sugar. This means it can help reduce the calorie intake and prevent weight gain.
- No impact on blood sugar or insulin: Organic allulose does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels after consumption. This makes it ideal for people with diabetes or metabolic disorders who need to control their blood sugar levels. It may also help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control.
- Safe and approved: Organic allulose is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and approved in several countries, such as Japan, Mexico, Singapore and South Korea. However, it is not yet approved in Canada or Europe, where it is considered a novel food that requires more testing.
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and keto-friendly: Organic allulose is compatible with various dietary preferences and restrictions. It does not contain any animal products, gluten, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or net carbs. It can be used in vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and keto-friendly recipes.
What are the Risks of Organic Allulose?
Organic allulose sweetener is a relatively new product that needs more research to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness. As with any sweetener, moderation is key. Too much of any sweetener can have negative effects on health and well-being. Here are some of the possible risks:
- Digestive issues: Some people may experience bloating, gas, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort after consuming large amounts of organic allulose. This is because organic allulose is not fully absorbed by the body and may act as a laxative in some individuals.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to organic allulose or its source materials, such as corn or sugar cane. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
- Interactions with medications: Organic allulose may interact with some medications that affect blood sugar levels, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. People who take these medications should consult their doctor before using organic allulose.
- Lack of long-term studies: There are not enough long-term studies on the effects of organic allulose on human health and disease prevention. More research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, frequency and duration of use for organic allulose.
