6 Coconut Sugar Benefits That Will Convince You to Switch From Refined Sugar

Regarded as a better alternative to refined sugar, coconut sugar is the dehydrated and boiled sap of the coconut palm. Coconut sugar has caught the attention of many of those who are health conscious because of its low fructose content and low glycemic index. It also contains traces of some minerals and antioxidants as compared to regular white sugar. Another factor that gives coconut sugar an edge over the other sweeteners is that it is not refined or chemically altered and contains no artificial ingredients or synthetic substances. Coconut sugar is not a direct derivative of coconut, it is the boiled and dehydrated sap of the coconut palm which is collected in a container. It looks and tastes much like clumped brown sugar with a slight hint of caramel. It is used widely as a natural sweetener in baking and in cooking.
 

Here are six amazing benefits of coconut sugar that will convince to to ditch refined sugar. 

1. Low glycemic indexThe glycemic index (GI) is a measurement evaluating carbohydrate-containing foods and their impact on our blood sugar and glucose levels. "Coconut sugar ranges relatively low in the Glycemic Index count. It ranks just 35 on the index as opposed to the regular table sugar which ranks between 60 to 65”, says Meher Rajput, Dietitian and Nutritionist at FitPass. High GI foods can cause your blood sugar to spike suddently which take a toll on your insulin levels. Moreover, coconut sugar contains a fibre called insulin which is known to slow down the glucose absorption.(Also Read : Barley Benefits: How It Could Help Reduce Blood Sugar Level)
2. Relatively high on nutrientsContaining about 16 calories and four grams of carbohydrate per teaspoon, coconut sugar may not bring down your calorie intake but Meher Rajput explains, “Your regular white sugar is what we term as ‘empty-calories’ which means that it does not contain any nutrients. Coconut sugar, on the other hand, is high on antioxidants, iron, calcium and potassium."3. Not refinedCoconut sugar is one of the most sought after natural sweeteners. Away from the extensive refining process, which regular sugar has to undergo, coconut sugar is pure and straight out of nature. You may use it preparing various desserts and drinks.(Also Read : Date Syrup: A Natural Sweetner That Can Fight Bacterial Infections)(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)