Perspective | The sweet truth about coconut and date sugar — there are some benefits (2024)

FAQs

Is coconut or date sugar healthier? ›

Although there are a few elements in these sugars that make them different from regular sugars, in reality, coconut sugar and date sugar are almost identical to regular cane sugar in terms of nutrients and calories. Both consist mainly of sugars, which are simple carbohydrates.

Lower chances of a blood sugar spike.

Per serving, coconut sugar contains a small amount of inulin, a type of soluble fiber that can make post-meal blood sugar spikes less likely. Foods containing inulin can be healthy choices for people with diabetes.

“That's because coconut sugar has a little bit of inulin in it, which provides a bit of fiber.” Inulin is a type of prebiotic fiber produced by plants. One of its many benefits is that it helps stabilize blood sugar, which can help you feel full longer (and thus help keep you from overeating).

Coconut sugar is very high in calories, just like regular sugar, and you'd have to eat a ridiculous amount of it to satisfy your needs for the above nutrients. Coconut sugar contains small amounts of minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. However, its high sugar content outweighs any potential benefits.

Even though date sugar is sweet, it's a better option than some other sugars because it has a gentler impact on your blood sugar because of Beta Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin present in date sugar. This can be good news, especially for those keeping an eye on their blood sugar levels, like people with diabetes.

It may help promote blood sugar control, contains powerful antioxidants, and also has antibacterial effects. Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), which is commonly used for its water, milk, oil, and tasty meat.

Coconut meat is the white flesh of coconuts and is edible fresh or dried. Rich in fiber and MCTs, it may offer a number of benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and digestion. Yet, it's high in calories and saturated fat, so you should eat it in moderation.

Eating a lot of sugar, including coconut palm sugar, can increase the risk of mouth infections and dental problems. This is because sugars contain high amounts of fermentable carbohydrates. People with diabetes are more prone to infections and gum disease.

You can opt for coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, which are some good and healthy options. Another good option is shakkar, an unprocessed sugar rich in nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium. You can also use jaggery to sweeten up your desserts and beverages.

Is stevia better or coconut sugar? ›

Coconut palm sugar tends to retain most of the nutrients found in the coconut palm. It does contain calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc, albeit in very small amounts (2). On the other hand, stevia is believed to have zero to low calories and carbs, if any (10). ... Is coconut palm sugar a healthy sugar substitute?

So is there a definitive answer to which is healthier, honey or sugar? Both should be consumed in limited amounts. Honey may have a slight edge, but excess consumption of either is more dangerous to your health than the advantage of choosing one over the other.

Glycemic Index: Date Sugar vs. Coconut Sugar. For individuals concerned about blood sugar levels, date sugar may be a better option. Date sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to coconut sugar, meaning it causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

Coconut sugar does contain a small amount of fiber in the form of inulin, which is prebiotic. Hence, it could be beneficial for gut health. Inulin is also effective at lowering inflammation and plasma lipid levels ⁷.

After looking at some of the considerations and benefits of these 2 products, namely coconut sugar and honey, both are very good products for long-term consumption, besides that we can't judge which is better, because both have their own benefits.

Date Sugar

It is often used as a substitute for regular sugar in more health-conscious recipes, making it a fitting substitute for coconut sugar in many cases. It is also richer in fiber and other minerals than many sweeteners. Use in a 1:1 ratio as a coconut sugar substitute.

One study looked at date syrup, and found that at polyphenol levels of 60 micrograms per mL and 600 micrograms per mL displayed anti-inflammatory effects in endothelial cells* (2). 100g of dates have 1500mg of polyphenols by weight (4), which is roughly 4 dates.

Brown sugar has a glycemic index of 64, which is considered as high. While coconut sugar has a low GI of 35. This means that consuming the same amount of sugar will trigger a much-reduced response from your metabolic system (if you eat coconut sugar), helping you keep your blood sugar balanced more effectively.