10/01/2026
BITTER DOESN'T MEAN SUGAR FREE
My client went to carry out a blood sugar test and discovered that his blood glucose was high and was told to drink vinegar, bitter leaf juice, utazi juice, scent leaf juice and other bitter things just to prevent diabetes.
So in essence, they're saying that bitter food and drinks are healthy for the management of diabetes and don't have sugar/carbohydrates.
That's FALLACY, MYTH, MISCONCEPTIONS...
FACT: that food or drink is bitter doesn't mean it has no sugar or carbs and besides carbs/sugar are not really the "villain"
Carbs/sugar are like that friend who's always there for you, they've got two sides, and it's all about how you use 'em.
For instance:
Here's an estimate of sugar content in some bitter drinks (33cl serving);
Bitter leaf juice: ~1-3g sugar (up to 0.75 cubes)
Utazi juice: up to 5g sugar (up to 1.25 cubes)
Scent leaves juice: up to 4g sugar (up to 1 cube)
Vinegar: negligible sugar content (up to 1g sugar)
Small stout: 13g sugar (3.1 cubes of sugar
Bitter lemon (350ml) 31g sugar (6.2 cubes of sugar)
Virtually, every stable food we eat is carb/sugar, with other nutrients in different proportions. The only food that does have carbs are meat and meat products, oil and water.
In the management of diabetes, total energy balance, optimal mix of macronutrient, eating pattern/meal planning approaches are the evidence-based guidelines
So you don't have to remove carbs from your food, it's not healthy to remove an entire food group from your meal plan/diet.
Instead, adequacy, variety, portion control, moderation, eating for the prevention of disease and overall balance is the key rather than elimination diet
In conclusion, it's crucial for you to consult a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist for expert counselling on evidence-based medical nutrition therapy/diet therapy today.
What I am trying to communicate in essence is that instead of cutting them out, get a pro's take - chat with a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, they'll hook you up with a solid meal plan.
Thank you.
Sir Ubong David, RDN.