If Dr. Oz and Livestrong.com are to be believed, coconut sugar is the choice over the uber refined white sugar, especially if you suffer from diabetes. Why?
Coconut sugar, or palm sugar, has what is known as a lower glycemic index. This means that it can cause a less dramatic spike in blood sugar, or as Dr. Oz points out; coconut sugar doesn’t put stress on your blood sugar levels the same way that white sugar does.
But here’s the thing: According to NutritionOverEasy.com, the fact that coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index is a tip-off that it has a high fructose ratio. And have you heard the buzz about fructose? According to WebMD, a study published in the American Journal of Medicine shows how fructose doesn’t stimulate the release of hormones that control feelings of hunger and fullness.
According to researchers participating in the study; when we eat, the body recognizes that food is coming in, and ultimately the brain is trying its best to regulate how many calories we need and how much fat we have in our bodies to maintain a balance so that we’re not overeating or under-eating. Fructose seems to upset that balancing act, though researchers aren’t sure why.
One theory is that when humans evolved, the problem wasn’t overeating, but not getting enough calories. Since fruits, which contain fructose, were likely a primary food source, the brain simply didn’t take fructose into account. That may have worked fine for cavemen, but it may not be so great for today’s sugar-saturated modern diets.
This does not mean fruit is taboo. Fruit contains many health attributes, like fiber intake, that can’t be ignored.
Getting back to coconut sugar: It’s important to keep in mind that the glycemic index only classifies the blood sugar response of foods by themselves. Since you’ll most likely munch on coconut sugar along with other ingredients, its effect on blood sugar will vary.
Bottom line? Coconut sugar is an attractive and healthy alternative, but, like anything else, it has to be used in moderation.
