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While white cane sugar is a staple in many households, sugar replacements are gaining popularity. If you check the shelves of the baking aisle in your local supermarket, you will find a large variety of sugar products.
One sweetener, coconut sugar, is creating a buzz and gaining in popularity, according to mindbodygreen. But what exactly is coconut sugar and why is it a hot trend?
Coconut sugar is made from the sap of a coconut palm tree and looks like brown sugar. It tastes like brown sugar too with a taste that is similar to caramel. But unlike cane sugar, coconut sugar is not refined or processed so it could be a better choice.
Benefits of Coconut Sugar
This all-natural sweetener is popular in vegan diets and for people who do not want to use an artificial sugar replacement. Coconut sugar can also be used by people who are following the paleo or ketogenic diets.
Nutrients in Coconut Sugar
According to WebMD coconut sugar has many of the same nutrients as cane sugar including iron, zinc, potassium, and calcium. But coconut sugar also contains soluble fiber which is beneficial to diabetics.
Helps Prevent Low Blood Sugar
Your body needs glucose because it is the primary source of energy for your brain, according to The Cleveland Clinic website. Glucose is found in the carbohydrates – and sugar – from the foods you eat. Coconut sugar can help raise your glucose levels and help prevent hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia is a potentially dangerous condition that can make you feel dizzy or nauseous, according to WebMD. If your blood sugar is very low, it can even lead to seizures or a coma.
Doesn’t Cause a Blood Sugar Spike
Consuming coconut sugar is good for diabetics because it doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. That’s because of the inulin it contains. Just remember that moderation is the key for people with diabetes.
Other Natural Sugar Alternatives
If you are looking for sugar alternatives that you can cook or bake with there are several good options besides coconut sugar, explained verywell health. You can use sucanat which comes from sugar, but it has less processing, so it is a healthier choice. Date sugar is made from dehydrated ground dates and is naturally sweet. Another option is Stevia, which is also derived from a plant and can be used to sweeten beverages and to bake with.
If you do not have to use solid granules then honey or agave nectar can be used in beverages like tea or cooked in recipes. Maple syrup is a great alternative and adds a unique flavor to food. You can also use date honey to cook and bake with.
While not every option will meet all your sugar replacement needs, you can pick and choose different ones depending on whether you are drinking coffee or baking an apple pie. Just remember that while these choices are less processed than sugar, it doesn’t make them “healthy” so use sweeteners in moderation.
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