When it comes to sweetening our food and drinks, white sugar has been the go-to option for many years. However, as we become more health-conscious, we are looking for alternatives that are lower in calories and have additional health benefits.

Coconut sugar is one such alternative that has gained popularity in recent years. In this article, we will look at the benefits of coconut sugar over white sugar.

1. Lower Glycemic Index

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar. The glycemic index (GI) measures the effect of carbohydrates on your blood sugar levels. The higher the GI, the greater the increase in blood sugar levels.

Coconut sugar has a GI of 35, whereas white sugar has a GI of 60-65. This means that coconut sugar causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes or those watching their blood sugar levels.

2. More Nutrients

Coconut sugar is more nutritious than white sugar. It contains traces of iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, as well as antioxidants. These nutrients are stripped away during the refining process that white sugar undergoes.

While the amounts of these nutrients in coconut sugar are not significant, every bit of nutrition counts.

3. All-Natural

Coconut sugar is an all-natural sweetener. It is made from the sap of coconut palm trees. The sap is boiled down to create a thick syrup, which is then dried and granulated. In contrast, white sugar is heavily processed and refined.

It goes through multiple stages of refining, where it is stripped of all natural minerals and nutrients. Coconut sugar is the more natural and healthier option for sweetening.

4. No Additives or Preservatives

Coconut sugar is free of additives and preservatives. It is a pure, all-natural sweetener that does not contain any harmful chemicals.

On the other hand, white sugar has been treated with chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and calcium hydroxide during the refining process. These chemicals can have harmful effects on our health. Coconut sugar is a more natural alternative that does not contain any harmful chemicals.

5. Better Taste

Coconut sugar has a better taste than white sugar. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor that adds depth to any dish or drink. In comparison, white sugar has a bland, one-dimensional sweetness.

Coconut sugar can be used in the same way as white sugar and can add another dimension to your cooking and baking.

6. Sustainable

Coconut sugar is a sustainable sweetener. Coconut palms require less water and less land to grow than other crops such as sugar cane. They also produce up to 50-75% more sugar per acre than sugar cane.

This means that coconut sugar is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than white sugar.

7. Versatile

Coconut sugar is a versatile sweetener that can be used in a variety of dishes and drinks. It can be used in the same way as white sugar and is suitable for baking, cooking, and sweetening drinks such as coffee and tea.

It can also be used in savory dishes such as sauces and marinades.

8. Low-Calorie Option

Coconut sugar is a lower calorie option than white sugar. While it is not a low-calorie food, it contains 15 calories per teaspoon, while white sugar contains 16 calories per teaspoon.

This might not seem like a significant difference, but every calorie counts when trying to maintain a healthy weight.

9. May Improve Digestion

Coconut sugar may improve digestion. It contains dietary fiber, which can help to regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health. Fiber can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

10. May Boost Energy Levels

Coconut sugar may boost energy levels. It contains trace amounts of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production in the body. B vitamins help to convert food into energy and can improve overall energy levels.

While the amounts of B vitamins in coconut sugar are not significant enough to have a major impact, every bit counts.