If you are looking for a healthier alternative to refined sugar, you should seriously consider organic coconut sugar. It has been steadily growing in popularity especially among the health-conscious due to its low glycemic index and low fructose content. This dehydrated boiled sap of coconut palm has traces of antioxidants and minerals that you wouldn’t find in white sugar.
Another reason many prefer coconut sugar over other sweeteners is that it’s not chemically altered and has zero artificial ingredients. It tastes similar to brown sugar but with a hint of caramel. Many professionals use it in baking and cooking, too.
If you still need more convincing, here are some of the many benefits of coconut sugar:
It’s High in Nutrients
Coconut sugar contains about 16 calories and 4g of carbs per teaspoon, meaning it may ont be able to bring down your calorie intake. But it’s still better than white sugar because the latter is what’s known as “empty calories” as it does not contain any nutrients. In comparison, coconut sugar is rich in antioxidants, iron, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients are among the reasons many prefer coconut sugar over other natural sweeteners.
It Has Less Fructose
Fructose is a kind of sugar that is quickly converted into fats by the body. Only the liver can break fructose down and this leads to triglyceride formation. Coconut sugar has between 70 and 75 percent sucrose and only 25 to 30 percent of fructose. White sugar, on the other hand, is high in both sucrose and fructose.
Its Glycemic Index Is Low
The GI or glycemic index is the measurement used to evaluate carb-containing food and how they affect the body’s blood sugar and glucose levels. Coconut sugar ranks only 35 on the index compared to the 60 to 65 ranking of regular white sugar. High GI food spikes one’s blood sugar levels, which has a huge impact on the body’s insulin levels. Additionally, coconut sugar itself contains insulin – a fibre known to slow down the absorption of glucose in the body.
It’s Good for the Gut Health
As mentioned, coconut sugar has insulin as its star fibre. Insulin can promote the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut and boost immunity. Bifidobacteria can help produce vitamin B6, vitamin K, as well as thiamine and riboflavin.
It’s an Excellent Electrolyte
Because it’s also high in magnesium, potassium, and sodium, coconut sugar can regulate the water content in the body. It even has 400 times more potassium than table sugar. For this reason, you should also make sure to use it in moderation.
It’s Not Refined
Coconut sugar does not undergo any extensive process for refining. It is pure and comes straight from nature. You can use it in preparing desserts or beverages and not worry about synthetic content.
Conclusion
To make the most of the benefits offered by coconut sugar, you have to be very cautious where you get them. There are brands that claim to sell coconut sugar but their products are mixed with cane sugar. It is important that you get your coconut sugar from a trusted source of organic coconut products. Also, make sure that you always read the ingredient labels to ensure that you’re getting a pure product. Coconut sugar or coconut palm sugar is often more expensive than regular cane sugar.
Ceylon Exports & Trading is among Sri Lanka’s top exporters and suppliers of the best coconut products, including organic coconut sugar. Check out our organic coconut products today!
