Coconut sugar: health benefits and harms

Today on the shelves you can find a wide variety of exotic goods. These products include coconut sugar, which is quite common for people in tropical areas. Disputes are being waged regarding its benefits. If something is confirmed by specialists, then it can be refuted by others. Despite this, a new variety of "sweet poison" is becoming popular among buyers and thus ahead of the usual reed and beetroot counterparts.

If a country is famous for coconut plantations, it means that it certainly operates the production of such sugar, which is a product of the processing of palm juice. Some people think that coconut sugar is found directly in the fruits of the plant. In fact, such products are obtained by processing inflorescences of a tree. With the beginning of flowering on young cobs, workers make cuts from which flows a juice that has a sweet aftertaste. A container for collecting fluid is installed under the incision site. For a year, with one palm you can collect about 300 liters of sweet juice.

How to make Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is produced in Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. The production process is carried out right at the place of palm growth and juice collection. Coconut sugar is produced manually. The collected juice is poured into a large container and heated over low heat. After this, the liquid is poured into the other two vessels in turn, constantly increasing fire. Such vats are heated on bonfires, for which the shells and palm leaves serve as firewood. The workers in such factories are exclusively women.

The production process is a continuous transfusion of juice from one container to the next and so on in a circle. As a result, all excess liquid evaporates, and the remaining composition is frozen, which leads to crystallization of the product. It resembles coffee granules. At the final stage, coconut crystals are packed in coconuts and sent for drying.

Sugar goes on sale in the form of round heads, loose substance in granules or in the form of syrup. For the Asian market, such a product has been popular for hundreds of years. In our regions, a coconut product is considered a rare and exotic product. You can buy such sugar in the department of ethnic cuisine or order it online. However, it is worth noting that the cost of such a product is several times higher than the cost of regular sugar.

What is the difference between coconut sugar and ordinary

Coconut sugar is a natural product that does not use any additives. It has a sweet and delicate taste that resembles a brown counterpart. Sometimes a nut or caramel flavor may be present. In color, this type of sugar is similar to sugarcane sand, but has a hue of orange. The smell of a coconut product depends on the place and time of collection of the initial raw material. The smell is also influenced by the variety of palm used.

Unlike regular sugar, coconut substitute is less sweet. It differs not only in organoleptic properties, but also in its composition. Coconut sugar is believed to contain far more nutrients than regular sugar. About 80% of this product consists of fructose. The remaining 20% ​​includes glucose, amino acids, various vitamins and mineral compounds.

What is healthier: coconut or regular sugar

When comparing the two types of sweeteners, the coconut product is most useful, its glycemic index is 35. Some time later, the results of the studies were refuted: in fact, the product index is 54. But still, the first results to date remain official data.

Studying the composition of such sugar, we can conclude that the amount of carbohydrates prevails in it, fiber is completely absent, which does not distinguish it from beet or cane granulated sugar. However, a coconut product is still considered more beneficial.

The advantage of such sugar is the low rate of carbohydrate breakdown. Such a sweetener can be used even with diabetes, as well as following a glycemic diet.

For comparison, the index of ordinary sugar is about 67, while for coconut it is considered 35. This indicator is provided as a result of the gradual, slow entry of glucose into the blood. In this case, there is no load on the pancreas. A sharp increase in blood sugar levels is not observed. It is due to this that its use in the diet of diabetics is allowed.

As a result of numerous studies, it was proved that the products have a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular and nervous system. Regular use of such sugar protects the body from neurotic disorders and obsessive conditions. Such a positive effect is achieved due to a special substance - inositol.

According to nutritionists, if you replace regular sugar with coconut, you can prevent the development of many diseases that often occur due to refined carbohydrates. In addition, the composition of the coconut juice processing product is characterized by the presence of glutamine. This substance is indispensable in the process of rapid tissue renewal. That is, this enzyme is involved in the regeneration process, which allows you to get rid of abrasions and burns in a short time.

Also, some scientific studies have proven that glutamine helps treat malignant tumors. In addition, this substance helps to restore the normal functioning of the human endocrine system. Due to the content of inulin in the product, digestion processes are also normalized.

Composition and calorie content

Coconut sugar contains vitamins that represent group B, fatty acids and amino acids, from minerals calcium and zinc, potassium with magnesium and iron are found here. Interestingly, such a product is practically the leader in the amount of iron and can even be compared with buckwheat and beef liver. Due to potassium and magnesium, the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels is ensured.

Sixteen amino acids were found in the composition of the coconut product, the most useful of which is glutamine. As was said, the substance has a wound healing effect, and is also used to restore the body after severe illnesses. Also, such an enzyme stimulates the production of glucagon, which is responsible for burning fat deposits, improves sleep quality and reduces the likelihood of cancer.

A chemical such as inositol, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, is also found in the chemical composition of the product.

Another important component of a coconut sweetener is inulin. Such a compound acts as a prebiotic. It is due to this property that coconut sugar is superior to beet sugar.

If we are talking about the caloric content of such a sweet product, then 100 g of sugar contains about 380 kcal, which is slightly lower in comparison with beet and cane, whose calorie content is about 400 kcal.

What is coconut sugar good for?

Coconut sugar is considered a product with a number of beneficial properties around the world.American scientific associations conducted various experiments that proved that coconut products do not differ even from stevia, which is a natural sweetener. In addition, the constant use of the product in moderate doses helps to reduce the load on the pancreas, which is due to the gradual flow of sugar into the blood. However, compared with low-calorie stevia, which does not contain carbohydrates, the coconut counterpart, unfortunately, cannot boast of such properties. In terms of its energy value, coconut sugar is similar to regular sugar and, if used uncontrolled, can harm the human body.

The healing properties of the product are determined by the presence of unique enzymes and nutrients in the composition. Due to this, it is possible to use such a sweetener for various pathologies of the pancreas and diabetes mellitus. It is believed that this type of sugar contributes to the synthesis of the hormone of joy, which raises the mood and improves vitality.

For women

Useful properties for the human body in general and in general have been described above, but as for the beautiful half of humanity, women use such a product for cosmetic purposes. It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of skin scrubs, especially if they are made at home and using natural ingredients. So, a scrub with coconut sugar can cleanse the skin, soften it and provide amazing smoothness. The beneficial properties of such a cosmetic product work even after removing it from the dermis. After all, after such a scrub there is no need to use various creams and lotions. Due to its structure, the product is an ideal ingredient for the preparation of such a cleanser. Each granule has a rough surface, which is able to thoroughly clean the skin.

Another important property such a scrub possesses is the content of glutamine in sugar. When such a substance gets on various wounds and abrasions, there is no pain as with salt remedies, moreover, this enzyme improves the skin regeneration process.

To make such a scrub, 4 tablespoons of coconut sugar and 3 tablespoons of essential oil are needed. You can add a little cocoa to the resulting mixture, then you get a chocolate mass.

For men

Inulin as part of a coconut product helps to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, takes part in the metabolism, and also lowers blood cholesterol.

The composition of the product is also distinguished by the presence of inositol, which helps to form muscle tissue. As you know, it is men who most often suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system, therefore, such sugar should be included in their diet. Such a substance strengthens the walls of blood vessels, normalizes the nervous system and stimulates the brain.

During pregnancy

Coconut sugar is useful during gestation. The use of such a product reduces the feeling of hunger, which will protect a woman from gaining excess weight. Such sugar contains vitamins and useful minerals that are necessary for the normal life of not only the mother's body, but also the unborn baby. Such a sweetener contains a large amount of iron, which protects against the development of iron deficiency anemia.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, it is also recommended to use coconut sugar. The product has a more saturated composition compared to regular sugar and is of great benefit to the body.As you know, when breastfeeding, a woman should drink warm tea to stimulate lactation. Therefore, it is useful for lactating women to drink tea with the addition of coconut sugar in the morning, and it can also be added to pastries and various dishes, replacing them with a regular product.

For kids

Regarding the use of this product in the diet of children, there are no contraindications, unless individual intolerance may develop. In any case, it is recommended that you consult a pediatrician before using this sugar.

When losing weight

It is believed that the use of sugar from coconut juice will help get rid of extra pounds. This opinion is based on the fact that the glycemic index of such a product is almost two times lower than that of other varieties of sugar. In any case, he cannot become an assistant in the process of losing weight, because during this period it is recommended to completely exclude sweets from the diet. However, losing weight often causes nervous breakdowns, and at such a moment it is the use of coconut sugar as a sweetener that will protect the body from severe harm.

Due to its lower GI, this sugar is considered the best substitute for conventional sweeteners. A coconut product is absorbed more slowly than white, therefore it is the best energy source. It can be added to hot drinks, in baked goods instead of white sugar.

Some users noted that after adding such sugar to coffee or tea (instead of cane or beetroot), hunger is reduced. The inclusion of such an ingredient in food does not make you hungry until the next meal.

Coconut Sugar in Medicine

According to certain indicators, coconut sweetener surpasses ordinary natural sugars. Although it is more high-calorie compared to stevia, when replacing refined sugar with natural sugar, a coconut product is indispensable.

The composition of sugar from coconut juice has a number of amino acids, vitamins and mineral elements. These substances can reduce the likelihood of pathologies of the nervous system, they help in the fight against depressive and anxious conditions, can cope with insomnia.

Iron as part of the coconut juice processing product maintains hemoglobin at the required level, calcium is responsible for the skeletal system, joints and nail health. Sugar contains nitrogen, which has a beneficial effect on the function of the heart and blood vessels.

The inulin found in this product provides the intestines with beneficial bacteria. Also, this substance has the ability to maintain an optimal level of blood glucose, which is very important for patients with diabetes. In addition, this component protects the body from various infections and injuries.

The composition of coconut sugar is characterized by the presence of antioxidants, which are designed to bind free radicals and remove them from the body, which also has a positive effect on human health.

High nutritional value of the finished product is ensured due to the fact that special additives are not used in the production process.

People who have diabetes are forced to monitor glucose levels, because their health will directly depend on this. When choosing a natural sweetener, most people stop for coconut sugar.

The use of coconut sugar in cooking

In the culinary field, coconut sugar is used in the same way as other types. The only difference is that in this case you will need to use it ten times more.Syrups are made from such sugar for the impregnation of cakes and pastries, salad dressings. The existing caramel flavor makes the taste of pastries and pastries original. Adding a coconut product to tea and coffee will provide energy and vigor for the whole day. Such granulated sugar is used in the menu of vegetarians and patients with diabetes to get chocolate. It is healthier than regular sugar and is a complete substitute for a healthy diet.

To its taste, this sugar resembles caramel. Outwardly, it is small crystals, which can be from light to dark brown in color. Sugar can be used in the manufacture of desserts, various hot and cold drinks. You can include it in homemade ice cream. Sugar is also used to sweeten cereals. Some manufacturers make it in the form of a paste that can be applied to your favorite cookies or bread.

Breakfast dish
For example, you can prepare a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal should be poured onto a baking sheet and placed in an oven preheated to 150 degrees for 20 minutes to dry. Dried fruits and nuts can be added to the cereal to taste. Flakes should be mixed, add nuts to them, and then sprinkled with coconut sugar. After that, dry for another 15 minutes. Then lay out dried fruits; candied fruits can also be added to them. Then the dish should be in the oven for another five minutes. After this time, the ingredients must be removed from the oven, left to cool completely and packaged in containers for further storage. The resulting mixture can be used as muesli, adding milk, yogurt or juice to them.

Dessert cream
Coconut sugar can be used in the preparation of dessert cream. To do this, you will need to prepare two egg yolks, 200 g of milk each (if there is coconut, if not, you can use cow), sugar from coconut juice, flour and powdered sugar. Next, mix yolks, flour and powdered sugar. Then pour sugar into hot milk, mix the mass and put on a slow fire. It is necessary to cook such a cream until a thick consistency is obtained. The cooled cream can be used to fill the cakes or to decorate the cake.

Harm and contraindications

The uncontrolled use of coconut sugar can cause serious harm to the human body. Like regular sugar, this variety helps create a sweet environment in the oral cavity, which leads to the development of bacteria. Consequently, the detriment of the coconut juice product to dental health is obvious. Overuse of this product can cause tooth decay and various gum diseases.

People with type 1 diabetes should limit their intake of this product, as they should constantly monitor their blood glucose levels.

Excessive consumption of palm sugar can cause a set of extra pounds. It is not recommended to include such a component in the diet of overweight people. Also a contraindication to use is the individual intolerance of coconut products. With special care, use such granulated sugar to people who have a tendency to allergic reactions.

How to choose and store

When buying, you should pay attention to transparent packaging or purchase weighted products. This will allow you to study it before buying. Depending on the type of palm tree, on what time of the year and under what weather conditions the juice was collected, the taste and color of the product may vary. But still, the taste should be pleasant, sweet, with a subtle flavor of caramel. Color can vary from light yellow to dark brown.The mass should be crumbly, if there are lumps, this indicates that during storage the rules regarding humidity in the room were not followed.

When choosing coconut sugar, you should pay attention to some points:

1. Product packaging should be holistic, without any damage. Product packaging should contain information on the shelf life of sugar, on the composition, where it is indicated that it is natural, without any inclusions and additional treatments.
2. The region where the product was manufactured must also be indicated. Usually it is Thailand, India, that is, regions where there is an ocean and there are suitable climatic conditions for the growth of palm trees.

Sugar from coconut juice is stored for two years, provided that it is in a sealed package that protects the product from direct sunlight, moisture and air. After opening the package, the shelf life is reduced to six months, however, it must also be kept in a dry and cool place. During this period, all organoleptic and treated properties are preserved in coconut sugar.

Interesting Facts About Coconuts

1. During the First World War, various attacks were carried out with the influence of gases, so the need arose to create gas masks. Carbon was used to clean polluted air. In the US, they began to get it when burning coconut shells. Scientists have found that coconut carbon is much more effective in filtering hazardous compounds. Even at present, such a coconut-based substance is used against radiation.
2. Collecting coconuts is quite difficult and dangerous for humans, so farmers began to use for these purposes monkeys who do dirty work for people. Manage animals with long leashes. For some monkeys, it is enough to hear the special voice commands of their owners. Such pets can bring their owner a big income.
3. It is no secret that coconut has many nutrients. However, few people know that such a plant is an excellent material for construction. The Philippine president, who built the palace from coconut raw materials, was able to prove this. Almost 70% of the building was constructed from coconut wood. Various elements, as well as the fruits themselves, were also used as architectural and decorative elements.
4. The fruits of a coconut plant can be of great benefit to the human body. But surely few people know that they can act as a clean fuel vehicle. Coconut is a biologically natural and safe diesel engine, which is a complete replacement for existing fuels that cause great harm to the environment.
5. In the Republic of Kiribati, coconut armor was created by artisans. Such costumes were made of a dense fabric of coconut fiber, which looked like a thick carpet. The armor included a hat, body armor, platinum on the back, trousers and a jacket with a high collar.

Coconut Sugar Photo