But a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods on commonly consumed foods in the Philippines found the GI of coconut sugar to be lower, with a score of approximately 35 to 42.įurthermore, the inulin in coconut sugar may play a role in lowering its GI score. Table sugar, or sucrose, has a GI score of about 65, according to research on GI values published by the American Diabetes Association. Many people hear coconut sugar is a lower GI food than other sugar, but this can be misleading. Foods with a higher GI score will raise blood sugar levels faster than foods with a low GI score. People use the glycemic index or GI of certain foods to measure their impact on blood glucose levels. Share on Pinterest Coconut sugar may not be better than regular sugar for blood glucose levels. It is, however, important to note that the quantities of beneficial compounds may be small, and a person would have to eat a lot of coconut sugar to get a healthy dose of them.Īlso, because coconut sugar is still high in calories and sugars, eating a lot would mean significant excess energy consumption, leading to potential weight gain. Inulin is a specific fiber that may be beneficial to the body, helping improve gut health and slowing glucose absorption.

What else is there to know about coconut sugar?Īccording to the above analysis of coconut palm sap, coconut sugar contains some inulin, whereas table sugar and corn syrup do not. In terms of trace elements, 100 g contains 625 milligrams (mg) of potassium and 125 mg of sodium.Ĭompared to granulated sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, coconut sugar has higher levels of iron, zinc, and calcium, according to research from the Philippines government’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute.Īlso, coconut sugar contains trace amounts of phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanidin. Again, the tiny fraction left is mostly traces of compounds such as sodium and iron.įor every 100 g of coconut sugar, there are 100 g of carbohydrates of which 75 g is sugar. Both these sugars contain little to no essential nutrients.įor every 100 grams (g) of granulated sugar, there are 99.98 g of carbohydrates of which 99.80 g is pure sugar, with the remaining minute amount being minerals, including sodium and calcium.įor every 100 g of high-fructose corn syrup, there are 76 g of carbohydrates of which 75.65 g is sugar. Two common sugars most people know about and consume regularly are white table sugar and corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup.

Coconut nectar syrup