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The Truth About Coconut Palm Sugar may not be what you once thought.
Is this an acceptable alternative for sugar? Read on!!
The Truth About Coconut Palm Sugar
A while back I had a comment left for me on a recipe that I had posted.
My ingredient list included coconut palm sugar as a brown sugar alternative. My visitor stated that the posted ingredient was "Very misleading, as coconut sugar is in fact sugar." Because I have to agree that my visitor, I thought I would post this as a result.
I do use coconut palm sugar in many of my cookie recipes.
However, just as with the other listed alternative ingredients that I list in my recipes, it is your choice of what to use. By 'your choice', I mean that you should use the sugar alternative of your choice. Because, as far as the recipe goes, I recommend using the sugar equivalent amount of your choice. For example, if the recipe calls for "1 cup equivalent to sugar", that would mean 1 cup of granular Splenda or 1 teaspoon of Stevia powdered extract.
About the coconut palm sugar.
A few years ago, Dr. Oz came out and spoke highly about this sugar (see video below).
On his show website, it is stated "Switching from regular sugar to coconut palm sugar could prevent the blood sugar crashes that make you hungry and then cause you to gain weight. "¹
The Truth About Coconut Palm Sugar
Since Dr. Oz came out with his coconut palm sugar revaluation, there has been research and much debate over the effectiveness of coconut palm sugar.
Coconut palm sugar is actually derived from the liquid sap from a coconut palm. Also, it has, according to the experts, the same calories and carbohydrates as regular cane sugar. However, it has only 20% of the fructose & glucose as regular sugar. As a result, this is what researchers say is how it can keep the blood sugar spikes down.
The big question for those of us watching our blood sugar is whether or not coconut palm sugar is okay for diabetics to eat.
Since the American Diabetes Association is well known, I went there for information. Therefore, this is what they say about coconut palm sugar in reference to diabetics:
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) ² says:
It is okay for people with diabetes to use coconut palm sugar as a sweetener, but they should not treat it any differently than regular sugar. It provides just as many calories and carbohydrates as regular sugar: about 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrate per teaspoon. So, you still need to account for it when planning meals.
Also, note that some coconut palm sugar on the market may be mixed with cane sugar and other ingredients. It is important to check nutrition labels and read the ingredient list on these products..
So what does this information mean for you?
If you are someone who watches their blood sugar you could continue to use coconut palm sugar. However, I would recommend taking into account the recommendations of the ADA. Yet, if you are looking for other alternatives to brown sugar, there are some that you may rather use. First of all, you could use a white sugar alternative in it's place. As a result you could be foregoing the taste and color that was fully intended in the recipe as well. This is your choice to make.
The folks at Surkin make a brown sugar alternative.
Sukrin Gold - The Natural Brown Sugar Alternative
About the product
- All-natural low-calorie alternative to brown sugar.
- Sugar-free sweetener with the aroma, sweetness, flavour and texture of brown sugar.
- Perfect in tea and coffee, over cereals, porridge and yoghurt.
- Makes baking and desserts sugar-free without compromising on taste.
- The Gold sweetener can be safely used by diabetics.
You can buy this The folks at Surkin Alternative on Amazon
I just received my "Sukrin Sweetener Kit" and will be featuring some recipes in the near future. The kit includes:
- Bundle of 4 Sukrin products: Sukrin Gold, Sukrin:1, Sukrin Fiber Syrup Gold, Sukrin Fiber Syrup Clear
- Sukrin Gold: All natural, low carb, zero calorie alternative to brown sugar
- Sukrin:1: All natural, low carb, zero calorie alternative to granulated sugar
- Sukrin Fiber Syrup Gold: All natural, low carb, low calorie alternative to honey/syrup/molasses
- Sukrin Fiber Syrup Clear: All natural, low carb, low calorie liquid sweeter for baking/cooking
I also found this "Sukrin Sweetener Kit" on Amazon.
Learn More About Coconut Palm Sugar:
Gone coconuts: New sugar or old hype? | MSU Extension
How Sweet It Is: All About Sugar Substitutes
¹ Dr Oz Show
²American Diabetes Association
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