Coconut Sugar, The Healthy Alternative to White Sugar!!

Coconut sugar, which is also referred to as coco sugar, coco sap sugar, or coconut palm sugar is a sugar produced from the sap of cut flower buds of the coconut palm. While this sugar is suddenly gaining a little attention here in the U.S., it has been used as a traditional sweetener for thousands of years in the South and South-East Asian regions. 

Coconut sugar is gaining some popularity, because its one of the healthiest alternatives to sugar. Its considered safe to use even for those with diabetes.The Glycemic Index of coconut sugar was reported by the Philipppine Coconut Authority to be 35 and by that measure it is classified as a low glycemic index food.However, in that study the glucose standard was fed as an aqueous solution, while the sugar was fed as sugar. Making the test food slower and more difficult to absorb and digest relative to the test solution will lower its GI value. It is considered to be healthier than refined white sugar and brown sugar. Coconut sugar also contains high amounts of minerals, such as iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium. It also contains Vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B6. The sap from which the sugar comes from also contains benefits, such as six amino acids, the highest of which is Glutamine.

While coconut sugar is a great alternative to white sugar there is always a catch, isn't there? Now because of its gained popularity, there is great demand in places like Thailand to produce this hot commodity. The problem that when the sap is taken from the coconut tree, those trees will never bare fruit, or coconuts in this case. And with it being such a hot market, those farmers who have been solely committed to growing coconuts are now, draining there trees, making them unbearable for coconuts. Asian countries have begun to see a shortage of coconuts. The other concern is that there are no published standards for coconut sugar production, and so we are unaware they are producing and handling this product. Also there are no published studies to support these healthy claims, and findings. And some evidence has shown that while coconut sugar is healthier than white sugar it still may contain some fructose, which is one of the main reasons for an alternative.

Bottom line is that coconut sugar is not the new miracle food. It has a more natural production process, and contains some nutrients, which is completely different than white sugar which contains no nutritional value. But just like white sugar use coconut sugar sparingly, but it is a better alternative to using white sugar all together.