There is no exact amount of sugar that a diabetic, be it type 1 or type 2, should have, but there is an optimum amount that helps us manage the condition effectively. For men, this is 36 grams or less; for women, 25 grams or less (as per the American Heart Association)—and you will be able to negate lethargy throughout the day.
Cool whip, just like most other whipped cream substitutes, contains more added sugar, which can be bad if consumed excessively. Here is everything you need to know about Cool Whip for diabetics:
Cool whip a whipped cream substitute
Cool Whip is a brand of whipped topping often used as an alternative to whipped cream. It is known for its light texture and works greatly on numerous desserts. Cool whip is derived from corn syrup, vegetable oil, and artificial flavors as opposed to the heavy cream and sugar used in traditional whipped cream.
Is Cool Whip healthy?
When compared to whipped cream, Cool Whip is less healthy as it contains loads of ingredients that are not found in your typical homemade whipped cream. First of all, its high fructose corn syrup content has been linked to high triglycerides (which can increase the risk of heart disease), obesity, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes if consumed excessively.
Besides this issue with the corn syrup, we also have the hydrogenated palm kernel or coconut oil content, which is a known contributor to bad cholesterol (LDL) and depletes good cholesterol (HDL), thus exposing the body to cardiovascular diseases.
On the bright side, the artificial flavors used in this condiment are certified safe by the FDA, but they could still have long-term effects. So, to decide if you should be using a cool whip or whipped cream, you should carefully examine their labels and compare the ingredients used.
Is Cool Whip good for diabetics?
Per serving, Cool Whip has more sugar than whipped cream but can be moderately included in a diabetic diet. A serving or two (at most) of Cool Whip for a diabetic is the optimum amount—provided it is tallies with your daily carbohydrate cap.
Sugar is one thing we diabetics can’t live with, and it is also a substance we can’t live with—a complex relationship. If you attempt an extremely low-carb diet, you’ll notice poor cognitive function and constant lethargy as the brain and body need sugar to effectively carry out their activities.
However, our sugar intake should account for around 10–13% of our daily calorie intake to ensure we effectively manage diabetes. Depending on your daily ration of sugar or carbs, a serving of Cool Whip will not send you rushing to the hospital; however, do ensure it is an occasional treat, as too much added sugar can cause a rapid spike in your blood glucose levels.
Can diabetics eat Cool Whip Lite?
A diabetic can include a serving of Cool Whip Lite as part of their diet. Cool Whip Lite contains the same ingredients as the regular Cool Whip but has 25% less fat—and fats do play a role in how fast sugar is passed into the bloodstream, so a serving is okay.
Is sugar-free Cool Whip okay for diabetics?
Products with zero sugar usually contain sweeteners, which can be derived from natural sources. The sweetener contained in this product is aspartame (NutraSweet), which, according to Mayo Clinic, is safe for diabetics—making sugar-free cool whips is okay for diabetics in moderation.
Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar without containing sugars and have little to no impact on blood sugars, which is why they are referred to as “free foods” as they contain less than 5 grams of carbs and 20 calories. Sugar-free Cool Whip is the ideal dessert topping a diabetic should consume.
Can diabetics eat Cool Whip? Summing Up
Diabetics can safely have a serving of Cool Whip (more preferably, the sugar-free version), but they should also be mindful of the entire food’s (which the Cool Whip is just a mere part of) carbohydrate content—ensuring it stays consistent with their daily carb quota.
