Want to give up sugar, but can’t? Try coconut sugar! This sugar is unlike the regular white sugar, which is empty of nutrients. Coconut sugar is highly nutritious. It has a lower Glycemic Index (GI) and health experts regard it as a healthier alternative to regular sugar.
What is coconut sugar?
Coconut sugar is not derived directly from the coconut fruit. It is actually the sap collected from coconut palm tree flower. This sap is boiled until it becomes thick and solid. Then, it is dehydrated to make sugar. The sugar derived from this sap appears and tastes like clumped brown sugar with a tinge of caramel. However, the taste may vary with the variety of coconut used to make it.
Those who love caramel will surely love this sugar. Coconut sugar is widely used as a natural sweetener in cooking and baking. You can also add it in your tea or coffee.
Coconut sugar has been used in Southeast Asian countries for centuries, especially in Indonesia and Philippines. It is also known as coconut palm sugar, coco sugar, or coco sap sugar.
Health benefits of coconut sugar
Check out the amazing benefits of coconut sugar:
1. Lower GI
It is a good choice for people with diabetes. Regular sugar has a GI of 60-65. On the contrary, coconut sugar has a GI of 35. This is not all. This sugar contains a fiber known as insulin, which helps in slow absorption and breakdown of glucose, keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
2. Higher nutrients
One teaspoon of coconut sugar contains 16 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. It has high amount of calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. It has high levels of sucrose, about 70-80%, but lower levels of fructose, which is a variant of sugar. Do you know only our liver can breakdown fructose? The breakdown leads to the formation of triglycerides, which is a form of fat.
Coconut sugar contains just 20-30% of fructose. So, the chance of formation of triglycerides is less when you use coconut sugar than when you use white sugar, which is high in fructose and glucose.
3. Electrolyte regulator
Coconut sugar is rich in sodium, magnesium, and potassium. That’s why it can regulate the water content of the body and keep your electrolytes in good condition. Do you know this sugar has 400 times more potassium than the normal white sugar?
So, if you are having some kidney disease or heart disease, please use this sugar in low amounts or consult your doctor before using it.
4. Gut friendly
The presence of insulin in coconut sugar makes it a gut-friendly sugar. It promotes the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria and helps to boost immunity. Bifidobacteria produces riboflavin, thiamine, and Vitamins B6 and K.
Also know about other seven foods that boost your immunity.
Conclusion:
If you have a sweet tooth and just can’t do without sugar, better to use coconut sugar than white sugar. Coconut sugar is an unrefined form of sugar, pure and more natural. Plus, it contains nutrients, unlike white sugar which has zero nutrients and only sweetness.
Coconut sugar can blend with most of the beverages, drinks, and desserts. And you will love its caramel taste too. Try it.
