The bittersweet impact of gummy bears on glucose metabolism | Ultrahuman (2024)

Gummy bears are most people’s favourite due to their sweet flavours. However, their impact on blood sugar levels is impossible to ignore. The main ingredients in gummy bears are sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. The body quickly absorbs all these ingredients, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Sure, they also contain some protein, but their overall consumption can harm you with the risk of diabetes due to high glucose and sucrose levels.

Maintaining your blood sugar while eating gummy bears
• Use sweeteners with a low glycemic index, such as stevia, monk fruit extract, or erythritol. These sweeteners don’t spike blood sugar levels and are much lower in calories than traditional sugar.
• Instead of sugary syrups or fruit juice, you can opt for sugar-free flavourings like extracts, concentrates, or natural herbs.
• Cutting down on the portion sizes of gummies can help reduce sugar intake. Consider making smaller gummies or using mini moulds to make bite-sized treats.

Gummy bears are high in sugar, which makes them have a high glycemic index. However, gummies with low glycemic indexes are healthier than high glycemic index gummies. Hence, it is essential to regulate your intake even with sugar-free gummies, as they also contain artificial sweeteners that can impact your glucose levels upon high consumption.

The bittersweet impact of gummy bears on glucose metabolism | Ultrahuman (2024)

FAQs

The bittersweet impact of gummy bears on glucose metabolism | Ultrahuman? ›

The main ingredients in gummy bears are sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. The body quickly absorbs all these ingredients, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Sure, they also contain some protein, but their overall consumption can harm you with the risk of diabetes due to high glucose and sucrose levels.

Do gummy bears raise blood sugar? ›

Gummy candies contain carbohydrates, which have a large impact on blood sugar levels. “Simple sugar-based foods absorb rapidly into the bloodstream after you eat them and can raise your blood sugar within five to 15 minutes,” says Norton.

Do gummies raise your blood sugar? ›

The general perception is that gummies raise blood sugar levels, but the truth is that gummies with the right formula can control glycemic response.

Can gummy vitamins spike blood sugar? ›

Beware of added sugar: Some supplements, particularly gummy vitamins or liquid formulations, may contain added sugars that can negatively impact blood sugar levels. Read labels carefully. Eat nutrient-rich foods: Aim to get nutrients from unrefined whole foods rather than supplements.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

What candy raises blood sugar the fastest? ›

Quick Carbohydrate Guide for Treating Low Blood Sugars
  • 5 small gum drops.
  • 12 gummy bears.
  • 6 large jelly beans.
  • 5 Life Savers.
  • 15 Skittles.
  • 1 Tablespoon honey, jam or jelly.
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar in water.
  • 4 Starburst.

Are gummies high glycemic? ›

Gummy bears are high in sugar, which makes them have a high glycemic index. However, gummies with low glycemic indexes are healthier than high glycemic index gummies.

What foods raise blood sugar quickly? ›

Examples of quick-sugar foods
FoodAmount
Table sugar1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)
Honey1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)
Fruit juice or regular (not diet) soda pop½ to ¾ cup (4 to 6 ounces)
Hard candy6 Life Savers
1 more row

Does caffeine raise your blood sugar? ›

For most healthy adults, caffeine doesn't noticeably affect blood sugar. The medical term for blood sugar is glucose. Having up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day seems to be safe for most people.

What raises A1c the most? ›

It's true that carbohydrates affect your blood sugar more than other nutrients you eat. Chances are that if you overdo starchy carbs on a regular basis, your A1c number will start to creep up. But remember, all carbs aren't a problem.

What happens if you eat a lot of vitamin gummy bears? ›

“Symptoms of an overdose are stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, change in urine or stool color, serious headache, dizziness, muscle pain,” Udabor says, adding that some people can even experience liver failure and coma from a vitamin overdose.

Is there a downside to taking gummy vitamins? ›

High sugar level not recommended

Sugars may be the number one reason to take a closer look at gummy vitamins. Gummies owe their flavor to sugar or sugar substitutes. Many gummy vitamins contain one or more grams of sugar per gummy. If you take several vitamins every day, the sugar can build up.

Why do bodybuilders eat Haribo? ›

Gummy candy is largely composed of low calorie simple sugars(carbs). Simple sugars are broken down and utilized quickly. These sugars(carbohydrates) are used to help push through a workout with relatively small amount of calories and a bonus of not feeling bloated from eating pasta or some other carb source.

Why shouldn't you eat gummy bears? ›

Know the risks of eating too many gummy Bears

They're high in sugar and calories. They can really screw up your weight loss goals. They can have a lot of harmful effects on your body. They can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

What are the disadvantages of eating gummies? ›

Sugar alcohols, which are natural sugar substitutes that come from fruits and berries, are commonly found in vitamin gummies and may cause digestive issues like nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Gummy vitamins are often loaded with artificial food dyes, fillers, and other things to give them an appealing texture.

How long does it take for candy to raise blood sugar? ›

Simple carbohydrates, like those found in juice, regular (not diet) soda, and candy are quickly absorbed and can raise blood sugar within 15 minutes.

What is the best hard candy for low blood sugar? ›

Skittles or gumdrops are patient favorites, but some people prefer a hard candy like Lifesavers, or a chewy sweet like Twizzlers or Starbursts. See the product label for how much of a serving you need to get to 15 grams of carbs.

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