Saturday, October 26, 2024

Curb A Sweet Tooth and Promote Fat Burning?

Did you know that sugar cravings are linked to fluctuating blood sugars and insulin resistance that contribute to weight gain? Here is the good news for those who want to curb their sugar cravings! 

Allulose is a rare sugar with a unique twist in nature. It belongs to a group of simple sugars called monosaccharides, which include fructose and glucose. However, allulose only contains 1/10 of the calories but maintains a similar taste and texture to these sugars. Allulose has the same molecular formula as fructose and glucose, but the placement of chemical groups is slightly different. The rearrangement of chemical groups is capable of changing its physical and chemical properties. It is found in small amounts in fruits such as figs, raisins, and jackfruit. Unlike regular sugar, allulose is absorbed by the body but not metabolized. With 90% fewer calories than sugar, it’s ideal for weight management. Since it has little to no effect on blood sugar levels, it is also a healthy sugar alternative for those who have blood sugar issues.

Consuming allulose doesn’t lead to significant spikes in blood glucose, which are typical of other sugars. Allulose lowers blood glucose by increasing insulin release in response to the glucose spike post meals. It also increases the efficiency of glucose transport into the cells and improves insulin sensitivity. It also suppresses glucagon release and increases the usage of glucose in the liver. Without the blood sugar spikes, allulose provides a more consistent energy level throughout the day without blood sugar spikes. Allulose is quickly flushed out of the body with the urine and cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it doesn’t act on the central nervous system, which may affect food intake and food cravings. Allulose is easily absorbable but has a very low glycemic index, which means does not cause a rise in blood glucose levels.

By promoting fat oxidation, allulose helps your body burn fat, which supports weight loss. Allulose decreases the amount of body fat tissue by increasing the activity of three enzymes that break down fats: CPT1 (Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1), CPT2, and beta-oxidase. It also blocks the enzymes that produce fatty molecules. Allulose promotes satiety by increasing the release of GLP-1(glucagon-like peptide-1), which travels through the bloodstream to the brain. GLP-1 receptors are located in the brainstem, hypothalamus, and parietal cortex. Their activation results in reduced appetite. GLP-1 also blocks the digestive system from emptying food. This sends a signal to the brain to reduce hunger.

Regular intake of allulose may lead to improvements in liver enzyme levels. Studies suggest allulose can help decrease fat accumulation in the liver, which is a key factor for preventing and managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Allulose decreases the amount of liver fat by reducing the levels of the enzymes required for fat production.

Allulose may function as a prebiotic that supports beneficial bacteria in your gut according to preliminary research. A healthy gut microbiome is the key to your overall health. Unlike other sugars that are responsible for tooth decay, allulose doesn’t contribute to bacteria overgrowth in the mouth, which reduces the risk of dental cavities.
Amazing health benefits of allulose include the following:

  • Has minimal impact on blood sugar and insulin levels.
  • Promotes fat oxidation and boosts fat burning.
  • Supports liver function and prevents fatty liver.
  • May improve gut health.
  • Reduces the risk of dental cavities.

Allulose is generally safe. But higher doses up to 1 mg/kg can cause nausea, stomach discomfort, headache, and lack of appetite. Based on recent studies, the FDA warned that doses above 35 grams per day may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.



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