A New Sweetener in Town: What is Coconut Sugar?

These early days of the new year are a time when we wish everyone a sweet and good year. Our most familiar symbol for sweetness is honey, but this time I want to explore a very sweet sweetener that has recently appeared on the shelves of health food stores—coconut sugar. In the past, we learned that coconut oil, derived from the coconut fruit, has significant health benefits. However, it turns out that sugar can also be extracted from the flowers of the coconut tree, which is considered to have healthful qualities. What makes coconut sugar healthful?

First, the glycemic index, which measures how quickly blood sugar levels rise after consuming coconut sugar, is very low. Why is it important to know the glycemic index level? There are reasons for this. When blood sugar levels are too high, the pancreas is required to secrete an increased amount of insulin, which, over time, can lead to diabetes. Sometimes, even obesity can result from high glycemic index levels. Why so? Eating sugary foods with a high index causes a rise in blood sugar levels. In this situation, the pancreas secretes insulin, which takes the sugar from the blood into muscle cells and other required places. This causes the body to experience a drop in sugar levels, leading to hunger and the need to eat. This cycle of eating and rising sugar levels can repeat, leading to further eating... For the same reason, sensitive individuals can develop attention disorders and similar issues.

Sugary foods that raise blood sugar levels can also cause inflammation in the body, as sugar increases the body's inflammatory response, which can be a basis for various diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and more. However, foods with a low glycemic index do not lead to these effects. Therefore, coconut sugar can serve as a substitute for those for whom sugar presents health risks like diabetes. However, it must be emphasized that even these individuals should monitor their consumption of this sugar and preferably be under the guidance of a health professional.

In addition to having a low glycemic index, coconut sugar is rich in various minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, boron, zinc, and sulfur. It contains vitamin C and B vitamins. Coconut sugar can be used just like white or brown sugar. For instance, if a drink requires a teaspoon of white or brown sugar, you can use a teaspoon of coconut sugar. Its taste is sweet and reminiscent of sugar but has a slightly caramel flavor. In conclusion, despite what has been written above, it is advisable to limit the consumption of coconut sugar as much as possible, and those with any disorders should consult with a health professional about the appropriate usage of this sugar.

Eliahu Schechter is an iridologist and natural therapist