I'm so excited about allulose.

Audition (4:33)

Source: Dr. David Perlmutter July 19, 2023.

Allulose, a rare sugar, has received significant attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, primarily related to metabolic health.

It's certainly everywhere these days, and I think that's a good thing.

One of the most interesting aspects of allulose is its ability to enhance the activity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors .

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine and colon in response to nutrient intake.

It has many physiological roles, including increasing insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite, thereby playing a key role in blood sugar control.

These activities explain why actual GLP-1 pharmaceuticals – such as Ozempic – are so effective in weight loss.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, allulose increases the secretion of GLP-1, a satiety hormone, in healthy individuals.

The study showed that consuming an allulose-containing beverage before a meal led to an increase in postprandial GLP-1 concentrations and a decrease in hunger compared to the control group.

These results suggest that allulose may be useful in weight management and obesity prevention, given its ability to regulate appetite and energy intake.

Another health benefit of allulose lies in its antihyperglycemic properties.

It does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels , making it an excellent sweetener alternative for diabetics.

In a study published in the Journal of Food Science, researchers found that consuming allulose with meals resulted in reduced blood sugar levels and insulin responses in healthy individuals compared to consuming the same amount of fructose.

Additionally, allulose may help treat metabolic syndrome and potentially reduce its risk, at least in animal studies.

According to a study published in the journal Nutrition, allulose may reduce body fat deposition in rats with diet-induced obesity.

Consumption of allulose led to a significant reduction in visceral fat , an important factor associated with metabolic syndrome.

This effect is due to allulose's ability to increase fat oxidation and decrease fat synthesis .

Additionally, allulose intake has potential cardiovascular benefits .

Research has shown that allulose may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides , and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

In the context of the increasing global prevalence of cardiovascular disease, this finding has critical public health implications.

Finally, allulose appears to have antioxidant properties .

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, allulose has the ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress , which plays a role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

In summary

Allulose has numerous health benefits, from boosting satiety hormones and regulating blood sugar levels to alleviating risk factors for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease to providing antioxidant properties.

As a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners, it can support those looking to reduce their sugar intake or manage conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

As always, moderation and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet are recommended.