Sugar is everywhere: from drinks to desserts, including prepared meals or those labeled “no added sugars”, it is omnipresent in our diet and it is sometimes very difficult to escape it. While sugar obviously provides immediate pleasure, it is its excessive consumption that raises significant health concerns. However, it is entirely possible to cook without sugar by using alternatives to white sugar, which are healthier and easier to find. Coconut sugar is one such option.
Coconut sugar vs white sugar: what are the differences?
Coconut sugar is made by harvesting the sap from the flowers of the coconut tree, then heating it to evaporate the water. The liquid crystallizes, resulting in a sweet brown powder that can be used just about anywhere. On the other hand, white sugar comes straight from an intensive refining process, extracted from sugar cane or beets, to end up in the form we know. As you can imagine, this process eliminates the majority of natural minerals and nutrients.
Nutritional composition
Coconut sugar is a much more complete product than white sugar. If the latter is a real nutritional empty shell, coconut sugar contains nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, zinc and especially antioxidants. It also contains inulin, a natural fiber that slows the absorption of glucose into the blood and promotes intestinal health by acting as a prebiotic, contributing to healthy digestion.
Effect on blood sugar
To understand, the glycemic index evaluates the effect of a food on blood sugar, or the speed at which it raises blood sugar levels. While the glycemic index of white sugar is around 70, that of coconut sugar is around 55. Coconut sugar is therefore closer to honey at this level, which gives it a slight advantage over white sugar. However, it is still considered a sugar with a medium glycemic index. For people looking to control their blood sugar, choose alternatives with a low glycemic index, such as agave syrup in particular.
Be careful though, despite its few advantages, coconut sugar remains a sugar. Excessive consumption of these sugars leads to health problems, including increased risk of disease and general poor health. It is therefore essential to consume them in moderation whatever their origin, but above all to favor a balanced diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables.
