There are a lot of types of sugar in the world from granulated sugar to brown sugar. Like all sugars, the ones mentioned above are meant to sweeten food and drinks to make it more delicious. However, sugar can be unhealthy as it is linked to an increased risk of a slew of diseases. Coconut sugar, on the other hand, is more nutritious.
What is coconut sugar?
Coconut sugar is made from dehydrated and boiled coconut sap. Coconut sugar (pure) or palm sugar is different from brown sugar. The raw material for the two sugars is the same, namely sap. But the difference is that pure coconut sugar is only made from sap, while brown sugar is made from raw material sap mixed with granulated sugar or refined sugar.
Not only does it give a sweet taste to food, coconut sugar can also give a sweet taste to life by providing ingredients that can help maintain a healthy body. Moreover, in every one ounce of coconut sugar there are several nutrients, namely 4 mg of iron, 90 mg of calcium and carotene and lactoflavin.
Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar
- Help treat diabetes
Coconut sugar contains a fiber known as insulin which helps slow down the absorption of glucose, which is great for diabetics. People with diabetes can use coconut sugar as a sweetener in a diabetic diet, but use it in moderation because it contains about 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates the same as regular refined sugar.
- Has a low glycemic index
Coconut sugar has a relatively low glycemic index value compared to refined sugar which has a high glycemic index. Foods high on the glycemic index can increase blood sugar levels. If suddenly your blood sugar levels spike, it will have an impact on your insulin levels. Moreover, coconut sugar is packed with insulin which slows down glucose absorption.
- More nutrients than regular sugar
Regular refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup have empty calories and contain no essential nutrients.
- Contains less fructose
Fructose is a sugar variant that is easily converted into fat by the body. Fructose is not broken down quickly and the liver will help break it down which leads to the formation of triglycerides. Increased triglycerides in the blood can cause high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high levels of bad cholesterol, and low levels of good cholesterol. Coconut sugar contains about 20 to 30 percent fructose and 70 to 75 percent sucrose.
- Reduce weight gain
Refined sugar tends to contribute to fat accumulation. Coconut sugar, which is lower in fructose, will lead to less weight gain and less fat accumulation. The fructose you get from fruits is healthy and good. But refined sugar has high levels of fructose, which is unhealthy.
- Good for intestines
The fiber present in coconut sugar has the ability to promote the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria. These bifidobacteria have been known to help restore good bacteria in the gut and also boost your immune system.
- Improve blood circulation
The iron content in coconut sugar will help improve your blood circulation, which can further increase oxygenation and nutrient availability. Iron aids in the formation of red blood cells while low red blood cells can cause anemia, including muscle weakness, headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems.
- Increase energy level
Coconut sugar contains raw ingredients that will help boost your energy. In addition, these raw materials take a long time to process in the body, which means more consistent and long-term energy metabolism throughout the day.
- Eco-friendly
Did you know that coconut sugar is an eco-friendly food? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations calls coconut sugar the most sustainable sweetener in the world. Coconut trees use less water and fuel than sugarcane production. So, coconut sugar has no artificial substances and is not chemically altered.
- Suitable for the Paleo Diet
According to the Ultimate Paleo Guide, if someone is on a Paleo diet, coconut sugar is a great option to satisfy sweetness. Those who wish to maintain a strict Paleo diet lifestyle can opt for coconut nectar.
