Coco Sugar

I have a sweet tooth, or to be more precise, I am a sugar addict -- since as far back as I can remember.  At any large banquets, I would always feast my eyes on the alluringly laid out desserts and sweets on the buffet table first, while on the festive array of various delectable cuisine second.

When I first tasted coco sugar, I was not at all impressed by it.  I thought it lacking in sweetness as compared to muscovado and brown sugar.  This was during the time I was searching for an alternative to refined white sugar and chemically-concocted artificial sweeteners.  You see, I was once seriously addicted to aspertame (diet Coke), which I had eventually kicked.  And then I realized that the candies I usually munch on are also laden with chemicals. 

Through further readings, I kept coming across the health benefits of coco sugar.  And then one day, when I ran out of candies, instead of replenishing, I went for a small pack of coco sugar.  

I experimented by having a half teaspoon of which whenever I had sudden cravings for something sweet.  It was then I began to appreciate the coco sugar's unique taste and texture.  Henceforth, a small glass container of these sweet brown crystals replaced the colorfully-wrapped candies in my humble abode.

Here are some nutritional values of the natural coco sugar:

Coco sugar is 100% natural and considered among the best natural sweeteners.  It is also touted as a “wonder sugar” because of its myriad health benefits. 

The Glycemic Index of coco sugar is 35 and is classified as a low glycemic index food, and considered safe for diabetics. 

Moreover, coco sugar contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, phosphorus and boron.  When compared to brown sugar, coconut sugar has 36 times the iron, four times the magnesium, and over 10 times the amount of zinc.

The human body does not produce minerals; therefore, we must provide it with minerals through the foods that we consume.  These minerals are important factors in the many functions of our body, such as muscle and bone growth, cell production, mental development and immune system, and enzyme regulation.  In essence, our body requires these minerals to facilitate the vitamins to work efficiently in our system.

And speaking of vitamins, coco sugar also contains 12 of the B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, nicotinic acid, biotin, pyridoxal and inositol. It is especially high in the vitamin inositol, which is necessary for nerve transmission, metabolism of cholesterol and the redistribution of fat within the body. In addition, inositol has been used to treat diabetes, depression and panic attacks.

The coconut sap, from which coconut sugar is derived, contains 16 out of the 20 amino acids. This sugar is especially high in the amino acids glutamic acid, which makes glutamine, threonine, aspartic acid and serine. 

Glutamine is very important for our metabolic function. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glutamine can also be effective for the healing of wounds and injuries, building up the immune system, treating inflammatory bowel syndrome, helping with HIV/AIDS patients, and possibly help in the treatment of cancer.

With all these health benefits and unique whole food flavor, how can one go back to munching on candies, right?  Indisputably, coco sugar defies the old health adage: "The only thing good about sugar is that it tastes good."  Thus, as with anything, enjoy coco sugar in moderation.

Sources: Livestrong.com and Coconut Sugar Philippines

Bohol Coco Farm's coco sugar packs

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Sharing with Food Trip Friday and Mandatory Mooch

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