Instead of adding sand sugar, many people prefer to use coconut sugar. The claim is that this particular type of sugar is more nutritious and contains a glycemic index lower than the sugar. Yet, coconut sugar still contains fructose triggers metabolic syndrome and other health problems if consumed excessively.
Coconut sugar is considered healthier because it has a lower glycemic index than sand sugar. So many people use it instead of sugar. But coconut sugar is not a healthful or nourishing kind of sweetener. It's just, coconut sugar is a healthier version of regular sand sugar.
Basically, adding sweeteners in any shape-other than natural honey-is not recommended. There are many types of sugar in the market with each claim of more nutritious or harmless, yet there is still the risk of consuming too much artificial sweeteners.
Is coconut sugar healthier?
Among the things that make coconut sugar is often considered healthier is that it contains no fructose. Furthermore, excess fructose intake can have adverse effects on health. But despite the popular claim that coconut sugar does not contain fructose, it is good to remember that about 80% of its content is sucrose. Compare that with normal sugar, which is 50% of the sucrose and other 50% fructose. Or it’s 55% fructose corn sugar and 45% glucose. But keep in mind, half of sucrose is fructose. That is, there is still a risk of over-consumption. Ranging from the effects of metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, to heart disease. Do not claim that coconut sugar does not contain fructose makes one dare to consume more than normal refined sugar.
Lower glycememic index
On the other hand, coconut sugar has also been known to contain a lower glycemic index than regular sugars. The glycolic index is a measure of how fast a food increases a person’s blood-sugar level, just moments after consumption. Glucose has a 100 glycememic index. While sugar has a glycememic index of 60. How about coconut sugar? The glycemic index size is 54. Even so, the processing, brands, and portions of coconut sugar consumed also affect the body’s response to it with a specific glycolic index.
The production of coconut sugar
After dissecting a claim on coconut sugar, it was time to get a closer look at the manufacturing process. The coconut sugar is made from the liquid in the coconut tree. Even so, coconut sugar differs from palm sugar. The manufacturing process involved two stages. First, flowers from a tree are cut so that the liquid can be contained in a container. The liquid is then heated until most of its liquid content evaporates. The final product is a brownish fluid with the texture of the grains. The color is much like common sugar but the size of the particles is smaller.
Coconut sugar contains nutrients
In view of the natural process, coconut sugar still contains nutrients. Among them are minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. Not only that, but also short-chain fatty acids like polyphenols and antioxidants. It also has a fiber substance called inulin. This particular fiber can slow the absorption of glucose, while answering why the glycophonic index of coconut sugar is lower than the normal sugar. While coconut sugar still contains some of the above – mentioned nutrients, its sugar content is still higher than its health benefits. Even to benefit from the minerals to antioxidants from coconut sugar, consumption is high. Of course, it’s dangerous.
Source : https://www.sehatq.com/artikel/kelapa-dipercaya-lebih-sehat-karena-indeks-glikemik-rendahnya-benarkah
