Do you have a sweet tooth? Indulging in a sweet dessert makes our day, especially after a week of hard work. However, regular consumption of sugary desserts often does more harm than one can imagine.
Apart from the obvious repercussion which is putting yourself at risk of diabetes, there are also many other cons. Some less evident consequences (but are equally detrimental to our health) of excessive sugar are acne, weight gain and even increased fatigue.
There is no need to feel bummed if you have a sweet tooth though! There are more sugar-free cake options now in Singapore that will satisfy your cravings without the health risks. These range from home bakers to brick-and-mortar shops like ours, where keto bakers use sugar substitutes in their bakes. Here are some of the common sugar substitutes.
Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaf of the stevia plant. Fun fact: it is 200 times sweeter than sugar but a healthier option that can be used to replace sugar in baked goods. Other than being a natural sweetener, it also contains fewer calories than table sugar or sucrose - making it great for both diabetes control and weight loss.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a chemical compound (can be found naturally in some foods), also referred to as sugar alcohol, which is often used as a sugar substitute in baked goods. As we do not have the enzymes to break down erythritol, it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream but is excreted in the urine - meaning there would not be a change in blood sugar or insulin levels - making it an excellent alternative for diabetics. It contains almost no calories too, so if you are looking to watch your diet without compromising on taste, you can consider replacing sugar with erythritol in your drinks, cooking or even baking. Keto bakes using erythritol from diabetic-friendly bakeries in Singapore are definitely a great choice too.
Allulose
Allulose, also known as D-psicose, is classified as a “rare sugar” as it is naturally present in only a few foods such as wheat, figs and raisins. This natural sweetener is 70% as sweet as sucrose but does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels as it is eliminated in the urine without being used as fuel, just like erythritol. It even has the taste and texture of sugar, but sans calories, so you can snack without the guilt!
It is also worthy to note that allulose is a recommended sugar substitute by the Health Promotion Board. Although allulose is classified as a carbohydrate due to similar chemical composition, it is not known to raise blood sugar levels and can be safely excluded from your daily carbohydrate intake.
If you are sold and wish to kickstart a healthier diet with less sugar intake, Ange Bakes Keto is the perfect place for all your sweet tooth needs without the calories and health risks. We are one of the few fully ketogenic and diabetic-friendly cake shops in Singapore known for our sugar-free and diabetic-friendly cakes and pastries. Erythritol and allulose are our choices of sweeteners as we find that they taste closer to sugar with the least after-taste. There are also no preservatives used in our bakes which is also why we take pre-orders to ensure the freshness of our bakes.
Other than choosing sugar-free cakes in your diet to reduce sugar intake, here are some tips that will also help.
Avoid carbohydrates
Many folks are unaware that our regular staples like rice, pasta and wheat flour contain a high amount of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates trigger the body to break them down into sugar, therefore spiking blood sugar levels. Instead of choosing these carbohydrates, you can simply avoid them by replacing them with keto options.
At Ange Bakes Keto, we carry a range of konjac and egg-white noodles that are ideal for reducing your carbs intake without forgoing the choice of having “rice” and “noodle” in your meals.
Learn to read product labels
If you have managed to identify and cut out the most obvious sugar from your diet, you can now focus on avoiding hidden sugar in your choice of food and beverages. As such, reading product labels can help you to determine the types of sugars to avoid.
Sugar itself has many different names and can be found in various syrups or concentrates. Some of the common names include:
Corn syrup
Honey
Apple or grape juice concentrate
Agave
Sucrose*
*It is also good to note that any ingredient ending with “-ose” is considered a type of sugar. This can include terms such as glucose, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and lactose. Hence, it is always best to read the label of products that you buy from supermarkets or grocery stores.
Opt for natural sweeteners
Lastly, always opt for natural sweeteners for peace of mind. Our cakes are some of the best examples as they are sugar-free, and only naturally sweetened with erythritol and allulose.
Here at Ange Bakes Keto, we are passionate about helping people transit comfortably to a low-carb or sugar-free lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something gluten-free, sugar-free, or keto-friendly, we have something to meet your dietary needs. Visit our website today to find out more!
Disclaimer - The information provided on our website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers before starting any new diet.