Coconut sugar, what are its benefits and harms
Coconut sugar is a natural product that is obtained from the juice of palm trees. The sweetener has a brown tint and can be used in diet food. This type of sugar has a pleasant caramel flavor. It is produced by several countries, among which Thailand and Indonesia are leading.
How is coconut sugar obtained
The collected juice is purified and evaporated. In the process of processing, it acquires the thickness of the syrup. Cooking is continued, and then the thickened palm juice is cooled, and it crystallizes. The process of its production and the technology itself differ from the production of other types of sugar, for example, cane sugar.
Real coconut sugar is a completely natural product.
Useful properties of food
The benefits of coconut sugar are due to its chemical composition. The most valuable is the one that does not have any additives or additives from cane and other types of sugar.
The composition of sweet crystals contains:
- B vitamins;
- iron;
- zinc;
- magnesium;
- 16 amino acids;
- potassium.
In terms of taste, this is a less sweet product than beet sugar. In southern countries, it is traditional, where it is used in fairly large quantities.
This sugar is absorbed more slowly by the body compared to white. It is also a source of complex carbohydrates, and can be used in food by people with low immunity and recovering from illness.
The rich composition has a positive effect on the entire body:
- improves overall well-being;
- promotes tissue regeneration;
- helps to strengthen the nervous system;
- has a positive effect on vision.
Coconut sugar is considered to be healthier than well-known sweeteners such as:
- maple syrup;
- Brown sugar;
- cane sugar, etc.
For example, brown sugar contains 2 times less sulfur and iron, and 10 times less zinc. 2/3 of the product consists of sucrose, 1/3 of fructose and glucose.
The unrefined product is of nutritional value. Otherwise, it can only serve as a source of additional calories.
Can coconut sugar be harmful
As a dietary product, coconut sugar can be beneficial as well as harmful. Its use is contraindicated for those who have an individual intolerance to this product.
The calorie content of the product is quite large, comparable to beet sugar: 100 grams contains 375 kcal. This circumstance limits the use of coconut sugar for those seeking to lose weight. The product has no other harmful properties.
Despite the fact that the glycemic index of coconut sugar is only 35, the use of this product is limited. For patients with diabetes mellitus, it can be resolved in a limited amount, and in case of a severe form of the disease, it is prohibited, since it creates a carbohydrate load on the body.
Sugar from coconut juice is less sweet than white, so there is a danger that you will need to add more of it, which will lead to an increase in the number of calories consumed.
Coconut juice sugar is a good-tasting product that can be safely used as a sweetener. When consumed in a reasonable amount and in the absence of contraindications, coconut sugar can only bring benefits.