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If you’ve been looking for alternatives to sugar, then we must introduce you to coconut sugar. This sugar alternative is slowly making shelf space in our kitchens because, according to nutritionists, it is way better than a spoonful of the regular one.
Coconut sugar is nothing but dried sap of coconut palm. Being unprocessed is its biggest USP and, unlike regular sugar, it is way healthier.
Want to know more about this sweet extravaganza? Here are the five things that’ll make you switch from regular sugar to coconut sugar:
1. Coconut sugar is healthier
This might sound a little strange but it is true. This deep brown sugar is not empty on calories but has a more nutritional value than the regular one. According to Sushma, a dietician at Jindal Naturecure Institute, coconut sugar has both fructose and glucose whereas normal sugar only has glucose.
Plus, coconut sugar is high in iron, zinc, potassium, polyphenols, flavonoids, and fibre while the regular one does not even have a single one of these. That’s why coconut sugar has the power to give you a boost of health.
2. It has lesser calories
Five grams of regular sugar has around 40 calories. On the other hand, the same amount of coconut sugar has around 20 to 25 calories. Now, you do the math. This can be so helpful for those trying to lose weight.
3. Coconut sugar is great for your gut
We all know how good prebiotics are for the gut. They keep digestion in check due to which our body functions well. You’ll be glad to know that coconut sugar has prebiotics too.
“There is a fibre in coconut sugar called inulin which is a dietary fibre that is great for your gut. It acts as a prebiotic and keeps gut-related issues at bay”, Sushma explains.
4. It is not refined and a great option for vegans
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, coconut sugar is the best buy. That’s because normal sugar is refined by using bone char which is not the case with coco sugar. Hence, it isn’t just healthier but also 100% vegetarian.
5. It controls blood sugar level
“Coconut sugar is low in the glycemic index (GI). GI is a measurement which evaluates carbohydrate-containing foods along with their impact on our blood sugar and glucose levels. You’ll be shocked to know that coconut sugar ranks 35 on the index as opposed to the regular sugar which stands between 60 to 65”, she suggests.
Also, the insulin in it helps in slowing down the absorption of glucose in the blood which prevents problems like diabetes.
“Consuming 12 grams of coconut sugar in a day is the ideal amount. But, with all the benefits it has, moderation still remains the key”, Sushma concludes.
Looks like coconut sugar is ‘THE’ sugar alternative we all were looking for. So, let’s grab it now.
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