- Coconut sugar
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Coconut sugar is a sugar produced from the sap of cut flower buds of coconuts. Coconut sugar has been used as a traditional sweetener for thousands of years in the South and SouthEast Asian regions where the coconut tree is in abundant supply. The world's largest producer of coconut is the Philippines.[1] It is also called Palm sugar, coco sugar, coconut palm sugar or coco sap sugar. The terms coconut sugar and palm sugar are even used interchangeably in some areas but coconut sugar is different from palm sugar. Palm sugar comes from the Palmyra tree and coconut sugar comes from coconut palm.
Contents
Manufacture
Coconut sugar comes in crystal or granule form, block or liquid. It is essentially a two-step process. It starts with harvesting or "tapping" the blossoms of a coconut tree. Farmers make a cut on the spadix and the sap starts to flow from the cut. The sap is then collected in bamboo containers. The sap collected is then transferred into giant woks and placed over moderate heat to evaporate the moisture content of the sap. The sap is translucent and is about 80% water. As the water evaporates, it starts to transform into a thick syrup-like substance known as a "toddy". From this form, it is further reduced to crystal, block or soft paste form, or it remains in this form. Essentially, coconut sugar's form depends on the moisture content of the toddy.[2]
Taste and flavor
Coconut sugar is subtly sweet almost like brown sugar but with a slight hint of caramel. However, since organic coconut sugar is not highly processed the color, sweetness and flavor can vary depending on different factors. Coconut sugar's color, sweetness and flavor can vary slightly from packaging to packaging depending on the coconut species used, season when it was harvested, where it was harvested and even the way the "sap" or "toddy" was reduced.[3]
Health benefits
The Glycemic Index of coconut sugar is 35 and is classified as a low glycemic index food.[4] It is considered to be a healthier than traditional white sugar and brown sugar. It can be used as a 1:1 sugar substitute for coffee, tea, baking and cooking.
Coconut sugar has high mineral content, a rich source of potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron. In addition to this it contains Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6. When compared to brown sugar, Coconut Sugar has twice the iron, four times the magnesium and over 10 times the amount of zinc.[5]
The coconut sap which coconut sugar is derived from contains 16 amino acids. The amino acid which has the highest content in coconut sap is Glutamine. Glutamine lutamine has been studied extensively over the past 10–15 years and has been shown to be useful in the treatment of serious illnesses, injury, trauma, burns, and treatment-related-side-effects of cancer as well as in wound healing for post-operative patients. It is known to reduce healing time after operations. It is essential in states of illness or injury even requiring intake[6]
Coconut Sugar is also rich in Vitamins. Inositol has the highest amount of all the vitamins found in the coconut sap. Among the reported benefits of inositol in clinical settings are a reduction in the need for pain medication when patients are given inositol, a reduction of edema in treatment of scald burns, and in relieving the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Because of its beneficial effects on the central nervous system and its role in the development of healthy cells, Inositol is recommended as a treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar mood disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorders. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that inositol may be useful in treating other mood disorders and neuro-psychological disorders.[7]
The Philippine Food and Nutrition Research Institute released the following information about their analysis of nutritive values found in coconut sugar:
Macro-nutrients (mg / l – ppm, dry) Coconut Sugar Brown Sugar Refined White Sugar Nitrogen (N) 2020 100 0 Phosphorus (P) 790 30 0.7 Potassium (K) 10,300 650 25 Calcium (Ca) 60 240 60 Magnesium (Mg) 290 70 10 Sodium (Na) 450 20 10 Chlorine (Cl) 4700 180 100 Sulfur (S) 260 130 20 Boron (B) 6 0 0 Zinc (Zn) 21 2 1.2 Manganese (Mn) 1 2 0 Iron (Fe) 22 0.6 0.6 Copper (Cu) 2 12.6 1.2 Source: COMPARISON OF THE ELEMENTAL CONTENT OF 3 SOURCES OF EDIBLE SUGAR - Analyzed by PCA-TAL, Sept. 11, 2000. (MI Secretaria et al, 2003) in parts per million (ppm or mg/li)
[8]Health Attributes of Coconut Sugar Nutrients Macro-nutrients Health benefits provided by these nutrients Nitrogen (N) help treat cardiovascular diseases Phosphorus (P) important for bone growth, kidney functions and cell growth Potassium (K) reduces hypertension, helps regulate blood sugar, helps control cholesterol levels and weight Calcium (Ca) vital for strong bone and teeth, and for muscle growth Magnesium (Mg) essential for metabolism, nerves and stimulates the brain (memory) Sodium (Na) plays a key role in the functioning of nerves and muscles Chlorine (Cl) corrects the pressure of body fluids and balance the nervous system Sulfur (S) important for healthy hair, skin and nails, also helps maintain oxygen balance for proper brain function. Boron (B) essential for healthy bone and joint function, enhances body's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium Zinc (Zn) called the "nutrient of intelligence" is necessary for mental development Manganese (Mn) has antioxidant, free-radical-fighting properties, is important for proper food digestion and for normal bone structure Iron (Fe) vital for the quality of blood, mental development and the immune system Copper (Cu) helps to release energy, helps in melanin production in the skin, helps in the production of red blood cells and aid in the absorption and transport of iron Source: www.nutritiondata.com Popularity
Coconut sugar has gained popularity as a health food and among people with diabetes. Coconut sugar can be used as a sugar substitute[9] and is considered safe to use for diabetics. Coconut sugar used to be only sold in specialty Asian stores but companies are now selling it in natural food markets and online making coconut sugar more accessible to mainstream markets and making it a more viable sugar substitute.
References
- ^ Coconut Coconut
- ^ [1] sugarcoconut.com - How is it made?.
- ^ [2] sugarcoconut.com - FAQs.
- ^ [3] Philippine Coconut Authority - Glycemic Index of Coconut Sugar.
- ^ [4] sugarcoconut.com - Health Benefits.
- ^ [5] sugarcoconut.com - Amino Acid Content.
- ^ [6] sugarcoconut.com - Vitamin Content.
- ^ [7] sugarcoconut.com - Nutritional Values.
- ^ [8] sugarcoconut.com FAQs - Is it safe to use as a sugar substitute?
External links
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