Many people are claiming that coconut palm sugar is the miracle solution to substitute cane sugar with. In this article, let’s see if coconut palm sugar is healthier.
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Added sugar in foods has many harmful effects. The ill effects of excess sugar include diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, which are among the top 10 killers in the US.
Each year millions of people get admitted to the hospital because of their high sugar intake. After looking at the evidence, people have started replacing sugar with natural alternatives. However, choosing the correct sugar version is difficult because every sugar substitute contains some harmful ingredients.
People use coconut palm sugar as a substitute for sweeteners. It has become popular among people who like eating sweet food products. Many bakers use coconut palm sugar to make their healthy baked goods. But is coconut palm sugar really a healthier choice? Let’s find out together in this article.
What is the healthiest version of sugar?
Sugar lovers like to know which is the healthiest version of sugar. But before that, you must understand that there are many healthier alternatives to artificial sweeteners.
Coconut sugar is the most popular type of sugar alternatives. This sugar is extracted from coconuts. The food industry uses physical and chemical treatment methods to extract sap on the coconut palm tree.
Coconut palm sugar is a better option instead of using a lump of regular sugar. It has a slightly lower GI value than regular sugar.
Which is better, coconut palm sugar or cane sugar?
Coconut palm sugar is not refined.
Like white or cane sugar, most sugars are refined, removing the many essential nutrients and adding other artificial ingredients. However, coconut palm sugar is manufactured without synthetic ingredients such as preservatives or sweeteners.
Coconut sugar is extracted from the coconut palm tree by cutting the flower of the palm, which releases a liquid sap that manufacturers collect in a container without using any chemical techniques. The fluid is only treated by heat to evaporate most of its water.
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Coconut palm sugar has a low GI (glycemic index)
Cane sugar is usually high in glycemic index (60), which increases the spike in the blood sugar level. Doctors advise diabetic patients to eliminate sugar in their diet in order to keep their blood sugar levels low.
On the other hand, you can consume coconut sugar in the right amount as it has a glycemic index of 50-54, which falls in the lower range of GI.
Many people who have a diet rich in carbohydrates experience a sudden rise in their blood sugar and feel crash after eating it. Overeating carbs can also increase your blood sugar level. Coconut sugar contains inulin that reduces its GI and slows down the rate at which your body absorbs glucose.
Coconut palm sugar gives more consistent energy.
Coconut palm sugar has a lower GI (glycemic index) than regular sugar, which means people can use it for a longer time and get energy for the entire day. After eating food, many people like to take a small nap in the afternoon because of a change in their blood sugar level.
You can use coconut sugar instead, as it balances the level and provides you with enough energy without giving you excess of it. This helps you avoid the nap but still be immune to being hopped up on sugar.
However, doctors suggest using coconut palm sugar in limits as, after all, it still contains sugar. Using coconut sugar that has low GI helps you give more energy to power by keeping your sugar level balanced.
Coconut palm sugar is nutrient-dense
People like sweet foods like candy, but it contains too many calories without any nutrients that are not healthy for them. You should avoid using white sugar or table sugar because it has no nutrients. Instead, it is pure carbs.
You can use other sugar alternatives, such as coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is made from a completely natural process. Therefore it contains many nutrients such as zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients have other health benefits that make coconut sugar better than cane sugar.
You can add coconut sugar to your food to enjoy the benefits of these nutrients. Try adding it to your morning coffee; you can also bake goods using it instead of cane sugar.
Coconut palm sugar can help you control your weight.
Experts say that coconut sugar contains less fructose than cane sugar. Fructose is a substance that turns into triglycerides due to the action of enzymes in the body. Triglycerides are typically fat deposits.
With less fructose, you have less fat deposition in your body. You can use coconut sugar as it contains low fructose when on a healthy diet to reduce weight.
However, use coconut sugar in the appropriate amount when you are using it on a daily basis. You can make shakes by adding a small amount of coconut sugar for sweetness.
Health benefits of coconut palm sugar
Experts recommend using coconut palm sugar instead of cane sugar because it has more health benefits. Consuming too much cane sugar can cause health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Instead, you should use palm sugar. The benefits of coconut palm sugar include:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Improve digestion
- Help lose weight
- Prevent stroke and other heart issues
How is coconut sugar different from regular sugar?
Nutrition value of one tablespoon of coconut palm sugar includes:
- Calories- 54
- Carbohydrates- 15 grams
- Fiber- 0 grams
- Protein- 0 grams
- Fat- 0 grams
- Sugar- 15 grams
Coconut palm sugar also contains other minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium, copper, and iron. Coconut sugar contains manganese that helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Are there any risks of coconut palm sugar?
Excessive intake of any form of sugar can be dangerous. Experts advise people to use it in moderation. However, overconsuming it can cause these problems, including:
Weight gain
People who consume too much coconut sugar are at greater risk of becoming overweight or obese. Obesity is also linked to diabetes. You should use coconut sugar in the right amount for your health.
Tooth decay
Sugar can lead to tooth decay in many people. The mouth bacteria feed on sugar and increase acidity levels that cause tooth enamel to wear off or cavities.
Heart problems
Increased use of sugar directly affects heart health. People may get strokes more often when their diet is rich in sugar.
Increased stress
Other substitutes for cane sugar
You can try these alternative sugar options, including:
- White sugar with maple syrup
- White sugar with molasses
- Muscovado sugar
- Honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
- Raw sugar
Most of these alternatives are not as healthy as coconut sugar.
Healthier alternatives for cane sugar
The more nutritious alternatives to cane sugar include:
- Dates. You can use dates if you are out of cane sugar. It has a high amount of fiber and sugar; many people commonly use it as a sweetener in their baked goods.
- Fresh fruits. After dried fruit, you can use fresh fruits as they are also naturally high in sugar. Luckily, fruits are richer in vitamins and minerals than regular sweeteners.
- Stevia. It is an artificial sweetener 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, coconut palm sugar has more nutritional benefits and is slightly healthier than regular sugar. It is very similar to other sugar alternatives.
Experts advise using coconut sugar in dilution as instructed. Use it as you use regular table sugar in food. However, it is better to use no sugar than coconut sugar if you have conditions affected by the sugar.
We hope you liked the information presented and answered the question you came to look for. Coconut sugar seems to be a healthier option as compared to cane sugar, but please speak to your doctor before making any large-scale food choices.
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