Coconut sugar is made from the sap of coconut palm flowers, making it a more natural and less processed sweetener option.
Coconut sugar contains not only carbohydrates but also a range of vitamins and minerals, which sets it apart from regular sugar.
These include B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. This makes it a more beneficial option compared to regular sugar.
Nutritional Value
In terms of macronutrients, coconut sugar contains:
The glycemic index of coconut sugar is about 35, which is significantly lower than that of regular sugar, which has a GI of around 60-65. This means that coconut sugar causes a slower increase in blood sugar levels.
The glycemic load (GL) of coconut sugar is about 5 per 10-gram serving.
However, despite its low GI, it should be consumed with caution, especially on a keto diet where carbohydrates need to be limited.
Thus, while coconut sugar contains some beneficial nutrients, its high calorie and carbohydrate content makes it unsuitable for a keto diet.
Instead of coconut sugar, it’s better to consider alternative sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit, which have a zero or very low glycemic index and do not hinder ketosis.
Nevertheless, if you still want to use coconut sugar in your dishes, it’s important to do so in moderation. It is recommended to limit its consumption to 1-2 teaspoons per day.
