Here's what people are learning about Struesli ... unlike other granolas, it doesn't cause a quick and drastic spike in blood sugar.
That's desirable because major fluctuations in the glucose content of your blood (aka: big spikes followed by quick drops) has both short-term and long-term implications. In the short term, the quick drop after a blood sugar spike often results in tiredness followed by more hunger. If you've ever felt lethargic after eating a big meal or sipping a large sugary drink, then you have experienced this firsthand. Worse yet, having many blood sugar spikes multiple times a day and over many years can cause the body to do unwanted things over time, such as narrowing of the blood vessels (a precursor to heart attacks and strokes) or developing insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes and heart disease).
The Science: Why Struesli Doesn't Spike Blood Sugar
So why doesn't Struesli cause those blood sugar spikes like most other granolas? There are several things at work here, first and foremost being that Struesli is much lower in total carbohydrate and added sugars than most other granolas. While other granolas, even more "natural" ones, contain a little to a lot of added sugars in every form imaginable, Struesli doesn't contain added sugars or sweeteners of any kind.
Second, most granolas are made from a base of grains, which contribute to the overall carbohydrate count. But Struesli is grain-free and has a lower total carbohydrate count than most granolas. Struesli is also high in fiber and healthy fats, which slow down digestion of the food (and any food you eat it with), resulting in a much slower and lower flow of glucose into your bloodstream.
And finally, Struesli contains tiger nuts, which help reduce rapid blood sugar increases due to their fiber content. But they also contain arginine, an amino acid that has been linked to increasing insulin sensitivity and insulin production, both of which help manage to keep your blood sugar more steady.
"I recently discovered Struesli and I couldn't be happier! As a type 1 diabetic, finding delicious, low carb, low glycemic index snacks can be a challenge, but Struesli is packed with flavor. In the past, I avoided granola because it would cause a sharp spike in my blood sugar, but not anymore. I highly recommend Struesli to anyone looking for a delicious and diabetes-friendly option. Couldn’t recommend this product more. It's so good that it feels like I’m cheating." ~ Eric, Struesli customer
Others Ways To Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes
In addition to opting for lower-carb and lower-sugar alternatives of your favorite foods, here are three other ways you can avoid having too many blood sugar spikes and the health implications that follow.
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Drink More Water. When you're dehydrated, your kidneys retain fluid and stop your body from flushing out excess sugar through urine. At the same time, your liver releases that extra sugar into the blood. So being dehydrated not only slows down the removal of excess glucose, but it also results in a blood sugar spike.
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Increase Your Activity. Getting some exercise is a great way to help avoid blood sugar spikes because of two pathways at work. First, physical activity increases your body's sensitivity to insulin (how quickly your body responds to glucose in your blood). Secondly, it causes your muscles to absorb some of the excess sugar from the blood and use it for quick energy.
- Eat Nuts. Eating a variety of nuts is a great way to get more of the key nutrients you body needs to help control blood sugar spikes, namely two key minerals: chromium and magnesium. These two minerals have been linked to how your body responds to insulin, making it more sensitive and reactive to your body's hormonal response to insulin (a good thing). Brazil nuts are a great source of chromium, while almonds and cashews are a particularly rich source of magnesium.
Written by Jessie Shafer, RD
Updated December 27, 2023
