Insulin-saving sugars: galactose, ribose, mannose and xylose
The following types of sugar have the decisive advantage that they can be absorbed into the cells without (or at least only with little) insulin, thus sparing the pancreas, which produces the insulin
Galactose
Galactose is a monosaccharide and a basic building block of every animal and plant organism.
Insulin saving
A decisive advantage of galactose over glucose is its insulin-independent absorption into the cells. Galactose therefore has an insulin-saving effect and thus protects the pancreas.
In the event of a drop in intracellular glucose concentration due to age or disease (e.g. due to reduced insulin receptor function or reduced blood flow in the central nervous system), glucose can be produced from the galactose taken up independently of insulin, thereby normalising the reduced metabolism (energy and building material metabolism).
Detoxifying
Galactose also has a detoxifying effect by recycling and thus disposing of toxic ammonia or ammonium ions.
Improvement of the ability to concentrate
In its effect on the cells of the central nervous system, it supports the ability to concentrate, attention behaviour, long-term and short-term memory.
Ribose
D-ribose is also a simple sugar, which is an essential component of all organic life.
Optimized energy generation
A supplementary intake of highly pure D-ribose can provide the body with decisive support in the production of energy in the cells. The supply of free D-ribose helps the organism to optimise energy production and energy release. This is particularly important in life situations with high energy demands such as occupational stress, competitive sports or in phases of illness.
Note
Caution, however, not all people tolerate D-ribose equally well, so taking D-ribose should always be discussed with a doctor first.
Mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that is related to glucose, but is hardly metabolized in the body. Instead, it is excreted in the urine.
Natural treatment of urinary tract infections
On its way through the bladder, D-mannose binds the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and cystitis and helps to eliminate them. Thus, D-mannose can be used to treat urinary tract infections and cystitis, thus avoiding antibiotic therapies with their many side effects.
Permanent catheter patients
D-Mannose is therefore also very well suited for permanent catheter patients.
Xylose
Xylose is a simple sugar and belongs to the same family as glucose, fructose or galactose. This sugar is also called wood sugar. A useful characteristic of xylose is that this sugar is metabolised largely independently of insulin. The natural sugar xylose can be used as a sweet alternative in the kitchen from time to time, but attention should be paid to a good quality of xylose.
Xylose or xylitol/xylitol?
Besides xylose, there are the sugar substitutes xylitol and xylitol respectively. Chemically speaking, these are sugar alcohol, i.e. a reduced form of xylose. The heavy metal compound Raney nickel is used in this process. Xylitol/xylitol is mainly used in small quantities as a sweetener in chewing gums or toothpastes. Xylitol/xylitol is not suitable as a cooking ingredient because the body does not metabolise sugar alcohols well.
Xylitol in oral hygiene
Conventional sugar is transformed into acidic end products by the bacteria of our oral flora. These acids in turn extract the minerals from our teeth. The consequences are brittle teeth, caries and bad breath. Compared to sugar, xylitol cannot be utilized by these caries bacteria and therefore does not provide them with a nutrient base. Xylitol has antibacterial properties and causes fewer caries bacteria to settle in plaque.
Xylitol for the bones
Various studies have shown in recent years that xylitol can increase bone density and the mineral content of bones.
The author in the video
To this blog article there is a short video with the author and nutritionist Marion Josel. Watch the video about sugar on Youtube!
Sources:
Kurt Mosetter - Healthy Sugar - Is there any?
Kosterlitz, H.; Wedler, H. W. (1933): Studies on the utilization of galactose in physiological and pathological states. Z. Ges. Exp. Med. 87 (1): 397-404.
Ma, Lina; Wang, Jieyu; Li, Yun (2015): Insulin resistance and cognitive dysfunction. Clin Chim Acta 444: 18-23.
Teitelbaum, J.E. et al (2006): "The Use of D-ribose in CFS and Fibromyalgia: a pilot study."
Kranjec, Bojana, Dino Pape, and Silvio Altarac. "D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial." World journal of urology 32.1 (2014): 79-84th (D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: A Randomized Clinical Trial)
Isokangas P et al, Occurrence of dental decay in children after maternal consumption of xylitol chewing gum, a follow-up from 0 to 5 years of age. J Dent Res. 2000 Nov;79(11):1885-9 (Effects of xylitol chewing gums during pregnancy on children's teeth)
Mattila PT et al, Increased bone volume and bone mineral content in xylitol-fed aged rats. Gerontology. 2001 Nov-Dec;47(6):300-5 (Increased bone volume and bone mineral content in xylitol-fed rats)
Dunayer EK hypoglycemia following canine ingestion of xylitol-containing gum. Vet Hum Toxicol. 2004 Apr;46(2):87-88. (Effects of xylitol on dogs)