People look for healthier alternatives when it comes to adding sweeteners to their food and prefer the least refined ones. Apart from artificial, one of the most popular choices is coconut sugar and many health experts recommend swapping refined sugar for coconut one.
It is made from coconut palm whose sap is boiled and dehydrated to obtain the sugar. It not only has a low glycemic index but its fructose content is also low and has no synthetic additives. People not only use it to sweeten their drinks but it is a popular choice amongst bakers as well.
There are many other reasons why you can consider switching to coconut sugar if you are looking for replacements. Here are its benefits that you should know about.
Has nutritional value
Most sugars do not have micronutrients and hence serve empty calories. Coconut sugar contains antioxidants, calcium, iron, and potassium which is important to be included in your diet.
No refining in the process
One thing that makes coconut sugar stands out from other sweeteners is that it is not refined and is not processed using any industrial method. It is simply obtained from the original source and goes well with most food items and beverages.
Low- glycemic index
Glycemic Index helps in determining the effects of a food item on our blood sugar levels and is a measurement assigned to every carbohydrate-containing food. Coconut sugar ranks quite low on the list and hence does not cause a sudden insulin spike which can be dangerous for diabetic patients.
Can regulate the body’s water content
It contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium and these play role in controlling the water content in the body. These electrolytes are helpful and are required by the body.
Low fructose content
Fructose is slowly digested by the body and the excess amount is stored as fat. Coconut sugar contains sucrose and a relatively lower amount of fructose which is a great option for weight-watchers.
Here are some benefits of coconut sugar that will convince you to ditch your table sugar. Make sure to read the labels correctly if you are buying coconut sugar from the supermarket. Most companies add cane sugar so read the ingredient carefully before making the purchase.