Coconut sugar is an alternative sweetener which originally from natural coconut palm sap (coconut neera). Experts says that coconut sugar is healthier than the common sugar (cane sugar). One of the main differences between coconut sugar and cane sugar is related to its glycemic content. Coconut sugar has lower glycemic index compare to cane sugar, so that it will prevent the increment of insulin. Therefore, coconut sugar is a better choice of sweetener especially for diabetic people. Furthermore, coconut sugar has nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, and short-chain fatty acids. It also contains inulin, which help to slow down the absorption of glucose. Thus, it enables coconut sugar to have lower impact on the blood glucose level compare to cane sugar.
Moreover, coconut sugar has low fructose level. Fructose require liver to work hard to digest and destroy it, consequently the process will trigger liver to form triglycerides. As a result, triglycerides increases and can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and increment of bad cholesterol levels. Coconut sugar also contain good fiber that help for development of bifidobacterial in intestines. In addition, Bifidobacterial is useful to restores the good bacteria in the intestines and boost the immunity. .