Coconut sugar is better than brown sugar – With so many different sweeteners available today, picking the right sugar can be difficult. Each type of sugar has its own quality and nutritional value, which is why we’ve taken the time to gather all of the pertinent information about the distinction between coconut sugar and brown sugar.
People know both of sugars for their nutritional value. However, a portion of consumers are unaware of what sets them apart. So, if you’re considering replacing your current sugar with one of these two, here’s everything you need to know about each.
What is Coconut Sugar and Brown Sugar?
Before recognizing the main difference of coconut sugar and brown sugar, we should know its definitions first. Those definitions will gain us to know whether coconut sugar is better than brown sugar or not.
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Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar, also known as coconut palm sugar, is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree rather than from the coconuts themselves. It is a popular sweetener in many vegan diets because it is plant-based and minimally processed.
Because it is a plant-based, natural sweetener, some people believe that coconut sugar is more nutritious than regular table sugar. Coconut sugar is nearly identical to regular cane sugar in terms of nutrients and calories.
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Brown sugar
Brown sugar is a sugarcane-derived sweetener (Saccharum officinarum). It resembles white sugar but contains varying amounts of molasses. We can refine and unrefined brown sugar, but we can find the majority of refined brown sugar in the baking section of the grocery store.
Other (rarer) types of brown sugar include turbinado sugar, muscovado sugar, and free-flowing brown sugar. Brown sugar, like all sugars, provides calories and carbohydrates but no significant vitamins or minerals. People can incorporate brown sugar into eating habits if consumed as part of a well-balanced diet.
Coconut Sugar and Brown Sugar Method of Production
We also can distinguish coconut sugar and brown sugar by its method of production. It is because each type of sugar has its own method of production.
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Coconut sugar method of production
Dehydrating the sap found inside coconut blossoms yields coconut sugar. They collect and place the sap into a controlled environment to boil and kill any harmful remnants.
The ideal temperature for boiling is medium, which ensures that the nutrients inside remain intact. Because the production of coconut sugar is minimal, it is both environmentally friendly and chemical-free.
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Brown sugar method of production
Brown sugar, on the other hand, is produced by extracting the juice from sugar canes, followed by boiling and filtering. This sugar is essentially white sugar mixed with molasses. The manufacturing process does not necessitate the use of industrial additives such as activated carbon or calcium hydroxide.
That process called as preserve of mineral and vitamins. As a result, brown sugar is more natural and has a slightly different flavor than white sugar.
Nutrition Contents of Coconut Sugar and Brown Sugar
We also can determine whether coconut sugar is better than brown sugar or not by its nutrition contents. Their nutrition contents are:
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Nutrition contents of coconut sugar
Because of its numerous health benefits, coconut sugar is an excellent sweetener substitute. People also know that it is a low glycemic index. Coconut sugar has a GI of 35, which is significantly lower than that of other sweeteners. Brown sugar, for example, has a GI of 64, while maple syrup has a GI of 54.
As a result, coconut sugar is ideal for those looking for an organic sweetener. Organic and unrefined coconut sugar is a better option because it can help reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes.
Coconut sugar is a good sweetener for tea and coffee. It works well during candies like caramel and toffee, as well as frostings. Use it in meals where you want the flavor and color of brown sugar with the added nutritional benefit of inulin.
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Nutrition contents of brown sugar
Brown sugar, unlike other sweeteners, contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It contains no chemicals, unlike white sugar. It is also lower in calories than white sugar. Furthermore, brown sugar aids digestion.
Drinks made with brown sugar, for example, are known to aid in the treatment of digestive and constipation issues. Brown sugar, like organic coconut sugar, works well as an ingredient in beauty products. Brown sugar, for example, is a good base for homemade skincare because it softens skin and remove stains and dead skin cells.
It is a great all-purpose sweetener that can be used in any recipe that calls for a deep brown color and molasses flavor. It is not only widely available, but it is also relatively inexpensive when we compare it into coconut sugar. Use it if you’re on a tight budget or can’t find coconut sugar at your local grocery store.
Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar and Brown Sugar
Brown sugar and white sugar are the two types of sugar. It is sugarcane juice that produced brown sugar. Because of its health benefits, brown sugar is very popular all over the world. Brown sugar gets its flavor and color from the small amount of molasses it contains.
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Completely free of chemical
Brown sugar, unlike white sugar, is completely chemical-free because it is produced without the use of molasses, which is required in the production of white sugar. Brown sugar is made from sugarcane juice and contains only a trace of molasses, which gives brown sugar its color and flavor.
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Has important minerals for the body
The sugar that has molasses deliver minerals in brown sugar; molasses is a good source of important minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium; one teaspoon of brown sugar with your tea every day provides 20% of your daily iron and calcium requirements; and we actually use molasses to prevent or treat anemia during pregnancy.
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Eases menstruation cramps
We can find potassium in molasses, that mixed with sugar to make brown sugar, helps to strengthen the body, such as the uterine muscle, and eases cramps that occur during menstruation, which causes cramps. You can take it in its natural form or mix it with some ginger tea for a boosted benefit, but be mindful of the calories you consume.
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Help in the treatment of uterine construction
Brown sugar has been thought to be very beneficial for women suffering from uterine contractions since ancient times, as it is a very effective medicine for treating painful uterine contractions.
Otherwise, health benefits of coconut sugar are to prevent low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, and lower chance of a blood sugar spike. It is because it includes a trace of inulin, a kind of soluble fiber which can significantly lower post-meal blood sugar spikes. Diabetics can benefit from eating foods high in inulin.
In sum, coconut sugar is not better than brown sugar. It is because Brown sugar is also less expensive and much easier to find in local supermarkets.
Besides, we can use brown sugar in place of coconut sugar in all cases, as long as you keep the difference in health benefits in mind. While coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, this benefit has yet to be proven; however, it does contain inulin.
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