When you try to manage type 2 diabetes, new research shows that all sweeteners may not act upon the body in the same way. According to the joint research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil, sugar dates and dark brown cane sugar may be the best choice for type 2 diabetes.

Researchers have discovered that some sweeteners contain large amounts of antioxidants, which help control diabetes-related heart disease and hypertension. In addition, some sweeteners May inhibit the activity of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that controls the passage of sugars from the small intestine.

The research team conducted a comprehensive study of sweeteners, including Domino Sugar full range and dark unprocessed sugars from Peru and Mauritius. Also included are corn syrup-based sweeteners, maple syrup, sugars and throughout Asia and South America. The sweeteners were first studied for their phenolic content, which is the same beneficial antioxidant found in red wine and tea. Tests have shown that darker is better, with dark brown sugar containing approximately 5000 micrograms per gram phenolic compounds, while white sugar contained a mere 18.

When it came to control the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, the study showed that it was better controlled by the darkest brown sugar and especially the date sugar, which inhibit the enzyme by 75 percent, compared to a maximum of 50 percent dark sugars. Several corn sweeteners also inhibit the enzyme by nearly 80 per cent, but they contained only low levels of phenolic compounds. Several corn sweeteners also prevented an enzyme that is a factor for hypertension, along with the date of sugar.

Overall, the researchers concluded that if artificial sweeteners May play a role in the management of type 2 diabetes, date sugar and dark brown sugars that are close to their natural state May also play an important role by controlling certain enzymes and the provision of powerful antioxidants.