What is Trehalose?
Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar found in plants, fungi, bacteria, and insects.
These organisms use trehalose to protect themselves from environmental conditions such as extreme heat or frost. Trehalose protects the proteins in their cells against protein damage.
Trehalose is also naturally found in edible mushrooms, honey, and some seafood.
Trehalose at a glance
- Prevents high blood glucose levels, which helps reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease
- Helps slow ageing by suppressing radicals and cell damage
- Helps manage stress by lowering cortisol levels
- Provides steady and long-lasting energy
What makes Trehalose special
Prevents high blood glucose levels
Helps slow ageing by preventing cell damage
Helps combat stress
Tastes just as sweet as table sugar
What makes Trehalose a healthier option?
Trehalose is a natural double sugar (disaccharide) composed of two glucose molecules.
Although it consists of two linked glucose building blocks, these are released slowly during digestion and prevent a spike in blood sugar and insulin.
Because trehalose provides the body with a steady supply of energy over an extended period of time, it is a good source of glucose for anyone under a lot of physical and mental strain. Trehalose is far better for the body and especially for the brain than classic sugars.
Since trehalose is a fully digestible source of glucose, it is easily digestible for people with lactose and fructose intolerances.
Trehalose has a lower calorie content compared to classic sugar.
Trehalose:
Calorie content: 3.62kcal per gram
Classic Sugar:
Calorie content: 4kcal per gram
Trehalose can help prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Classic sugars (sucrose, glucose) can increase the risk of many different diseases. Overconsumption of classic sugar increases our blood glucose levels, raising the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.
However, trehalose keeps blood glucose levels stable and significantly lowers the risk of developing severe diseases.
In a study published by the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, researchers found trehalose helped improve glucose tolerance and progress to insulin resistance.
“These results suggested that trehalose can potentially reduce the development of metabolic syndrome and associated lifestyle-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.”
Lower stress levels
During periods of stress, our body and especially our brain craves extra energy to prepare itself for a ‘fight or flight response.
Which is why we’re more likely to grab a sugary treat when we’re stressed.
When we eat classic sugar (which causes high blood glucose levels), our sugar level drops lower than it was before we started eating sugar, and as a consequence, we keep craving more and more sugar.
Trehalose releases glucose when digested, giving the body the sugar hit it needs to lower cortisol levels. It does this without spiking your blood sugar, preventing the ‘sugar crash’ feeling and further cravings. This also makes it a healthier option for people with diabetes or hypoglycaemia.
Protect skin elasticity
A diet that promotes stable blood sugar levels helps prevent loss of skin elasticity.
By contrast, a diet that causes high blood glucose levels will promote Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), and lead to insulin and insulin-like hormone spikes, which accelerate inflammation and the ageing process.
Trehalose helps avoid high blood glucose levels and insulin spikes, thus protecting skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and preventing inflammation.
Trehalose is sometimes used as an ingredient in cosmetic products and sunscreen because it helps boost the skin’s natural moisturizing system. Thanks to its hydrating effects, it can help with dry eye syndrome as well.
Recipes
Explore our fantastic recipes containing Trehalose.
Adding trehalose to fruit-based desserts minimises the effects of fructose. It’s also a great substitute for classic sugar in jams and preserves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trehalose good for diabetics?
Yes. Trehalose can significantly help people with diabetes. If diabetics use trehalose instead of table sugar, the rise in blood sugar after eating is reduced, which means less insulin is needed. As a result, diabetics who inject insulin may need to use much less or close to no insulin at all.
Is Trehalose an artificial sweetener?
No. Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar found in plants and honey. Trehalose is a natural double sugar (disaccharide) composed of two glucose molecules.
Is Trehalose vegan?
Yes. Trehalose consists only of glucose.
Is Trehalose halal?
Yes.
What is the difference between Trehalose and classic table sugar?
Trehalose is a natural double sugar (disaccharide) composed of two glucose molecules.
Classic table sugar is a natural single sugar (monosaccharide) composed of a single glucose molecule.
Even though trehalose is composed of glucose, it supplies the brain with energy more evenly than “normal” glucose (classic table sugar). This is because, unlike glucose, trehalose is a double sugar and therefore, the has to work harder to split the two glucose building blocks in the intestine.
Where can I buy Trehalose?
The best way to incorporate trehalose into your diet is by using Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures. These mixtures have been scientifically developed to help lead a healthier lifestyle. Discover the full range of Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures from our partners.
How is Trehalose listed on food labels?
Because trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar, it is listed as ‘trehalose’ in the list of product ingredients.
Is Trehalose a reducing sugar?
No. Trehalose is a natural double sugar (disaccharide) composed of two glucose molecules.
Research & Resources
Scientists have been studying the effects of trehalose, and its benefits compared to table sugar (sucrose.)
In 2017, researchers found trehalose to have the potential as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease.
Trehalose Improves Cognition in the Transgenic Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
The journal of cellular physiology published a study exploring trehalose as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
“The role of trehalose as an innovative drug in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and other illnesses opening a new scenario of intervention in conditions difficult to be treated.”
Autophagy induction by trehalose: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic impacts