Discover the 6 benefits of coconut sugar and side effects.

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that can be more expensive than regular granulated sugar, but it’s worth it as it yields some tremendous benefits that make it a much better choice than many other sweetener options.

For example, coconut sugar is better for diabetics and the gut than regular, everyday sugar, and it contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

We can thank the coconut tree for the many products it produces, from coconut water to desiccated coconut, coconut vinegar, and as a personal favorite, coconut oil.

It is also very popular in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages known by the locals as a tuba or coconut wine.

However, it is the inflorescence – of coconut flowers of the coconut tree (not to be confused with the palm tree) – that offers a sap that can be processed to create a syrup or honey-like substance, which is then dried to form coconut sugar.

Benefits of coconut sugar

1.- It can help diabetics

Coconut sugar and coconut nectar contain a fiber known as inulin. This fiber can help slow glucose absorption, offering an alternative for those dealing with diabetic concerns; Some studies show that inulin can help reduce glucose absorption, therefore keeping glucose levels in check.

One particular study conducted suggests that the benefits of coconut sugar help women with type 2 diabetes, improving some glycemic and antioxidant levels while lowering levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress.

Tasting similar to brown sugar, coconut sugar (and coconut nectar) is gaining popularity as a sweetener in everything from coffee and tea to delicious food recipes.

The American Diabetes Association shares that while people with diabetes can use coconut sugar as a sweetener in a diabetic diet plan, they must use it the same way they would use table sugar because it contains as many calories and carbohydrates as possible. possible.

Approximately 15 calories and four grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon. Another important note is that it is often found mixed with table sugar, so take a look at the label before making a purchase.

2.- Tested by the Paleo diet

If you’re following the Paleo diet, coconut sugar is one option you can use to satisfy that sweet tooth, according to the Ultimate Paleo Guide; Some hardcore Paleo followers still avoid it as it is often processed.

However, it is believed to have been used in the Paleolithic, which is part of their claim that it is fine for Paleo lovers.

Studies lead us to think that our ancestors got about 35% of their dietary energy from fat, 35% from carbohydrates, and 30% from protein.

The benefits of coconut sugar would be in the carbohydrate category, but it is still a processed form of the coconut flower; perhaps coconut nectar or a liquid form is a bit closer to Paleo for those who want to maintain a stricter paleo lifestyle.

3.- Contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients

Coconut sugar contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, albeit in small amounts. For example, both the zinc and the iron that is found in the benefits of coconut sugar contain at least twice as much as what we can find in traditional or granulated sugar.

The FNRI also notes that there is a decent amount of phytonutrients, specifically polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanidins.

These phytonutrients help lower blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol, making coconut sugar a better choice than many other sweeteners.

The American Cancer Society explains that phytonutrients from plants offer many health benefits and are better options than supplements or pills.

4.- Good for the digestive system

As noted above, coconut sugar benefits contain inulin, which, among other things, has within its capabilities the stimulation of so-called intestinal bifidobacteria growth, which is usually found within probiotics, which can provide a boosted general to the immune system.

As you know, bifidobacteria make up a select group of bacteria that normally live inside the intestines, and that can grow outside the body and be taken orally like any medicine.

Bifidobacteria are known to help restore the good bacteria in the gut that may have been destroyed through chemotherapy, antibiotics, and the like.

This bacterium helps many conditions that can affect the intestines, including diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis, and has even been used to prevent a particular intestinal infection found in infants called necrotizing enterocolitis.

Side effects of coconut sugar

There seems to be little information regarding precautions other than the reminder that coconut sugar has the same calories as regular sugar, so keeping it in moderation is key.

Having too much sugar of any kind can affect weight gain, and inflammation in the body, and can even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, the American Diabetes Association notes that many products on the shelf add regular sugar to coconut sugar, so it’s important to keep an eye on labeling.

How to make use of coconut sugar

Coconut sugar can be used the same way regular sugar is used, but you may want to start with half the amount until your desired sweetness is reached.

Coconut palms have been used for sugar production for centuries using sophisticated tapping techniques that were developed in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Ensuring ways to recover the sap has been of great interest since animal feeding trials were successfully started during a project in Cambodia.

This process has been practiced by Indonesians for hundreds of years and is noted as an efficient system on some highly populated islands.

It is commonly known as coconut sugar, coconut palm sugar, coconut sap sugar, or coconut blossom sugar, but note that palm sugar is not the same thing and is often confused when used in labeling.

Is coconut sugar good for human consumption?

This question is very popular, especially since coconut oil has become one of the main stimulants for almost anything, from whitening your teeth to a healthy fat in your morning toast, but there is still little data on it.

What we do know is that there are trace amounts of vitamins and minerals found in coconut sugar, but for you to have impactful nutrition, you need to eat a lot of it.

Eating too much sugar, in any form, is not a good idea, and coconut sugar, calorie for calorie, is the same as regular granulated sugar.

In any case, it is the best option if you are looking for an alternative sweetener or granulated sugar substitute, as there are trace elements available, such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, some short-chain fatty acids, polyphenols, antioxidants, and fiber is known as inulin, all of which may offer some health benefits that regular table sugar cannot.

Final Thoughts

Coconut sugar can be a great sugar alternative, especially for diabetics.

Also, while coconut sugar has many benefits that you won’t find in regular table sugar, it may require large amounts to have a positive effect.

Regardless, it’s a much better option than regular granulated sugar, though keep in mind that I always recommend opting for small amounts of sugar in your overall diet.

However, if you’re going for that sweetener, coconut sugar is one of the best natural sweeteners out there.