Is coco sugar better than white and brown sugar?

Is coco sugar a healthy alternative? | Healthbiztips

Coco sugar is more expensive than brown and white sugar. Are you wondering what makes it so special? Does it really live up to it's price tag or it's acclaimed health benefits or is it just a marketing strategy.

Is coco sugar better than white and brown sugar? | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Annie Spratt @anniespratt @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Coco sugar (also known as palm sugar) reputedly contains higher amounts of nutrients compared to typical sugar. In fact, since brown sugar and white sugar contains empty calories, they are no match when compared to coco sugar's nutritional value.

Coco sugar is made from the sap of the coconut paml as opposed to white and brown sugar which comes from sugar cane.

However, the nutritional value a person gets from just a single serving of coco sugar is not enough to be significant. You have to consume a large quantity of coco sugar to obtain a significant amount of nutrients, but since coco sugar contains almost the same amount of calories with typical sugar, it is not desirable.

White sugar and brown sugar have no nutritional value.

Another awesome thing about coco sugar is it has low glycemic index which makes it appealing for people afflicted with diabetes because it's consumption won't spike blood sugar as fast as conventional sugar will.

Coco sugar contains fiber.
When you use coco sugar as a sweetener, you're also taking in inulin, a type of soluble fiber.

Inulin has many health benefits. It supports good digestion, promotes the growth of good gut bacteria, relieves constipation, and helps manage diabetes.

I was very disappointing to know that 1 tsp coco sugar contains just a trace amount of inulin which makes it insignificant. According to research, an intake of 30 gram inulin is necessary to gain considerable health benefits.


Why switch to coco sugar?

We've bought coco sugar and gave it a taste test. When it comes to satiety, coco sugar has a great advantage over brown and white sugar. I dare say because my milk tea tastes better with coco sugar.

Coco sugar looks decent enough if you're after that smooth and none overpowering sweetness, but at a considerably higher price.

Is coco sugar a healthy and guilt-free alternative to white and brown sugar?

You may be hoping for a "yes" but you see, it doesn't work that way.

It is a fact that coco sugar has substantial nutrient and fiber content. But, you see, coconut sugar still contains calories.

1 teaspoon of coconut sugar pumps your system with 15 calories. 1 teaspoon white sugar gives you 16 calories. On the other hand, 1 teaspoon brown sugar delivers approximately 17 calories.

If you're looking for a healthier sweetener and coco sugar is within your budget, then it's okay to buy it. However, do remember that it's still a sugar.

I'd like to point out that the nutrient and inulin content of coco sugar also varies by manufacturer.