Maple syrup vs coconut sugar – Sugar is a simple carbohydrate as a source of energy and the main commodity trading. Sugar is the most widely traded in the form of a crystalline solid sucrose. Sugar is used to change the taste becomes sweet and the state of the food or drink.
Simple sugars, such as glucose (which is produced from sucrose by the enzyme or acid hydrolysis), storing energy that will be used by the cell. Sugar as sucrose obtained from molasses, cane sugar, beet sugar, or palm. However, there are sources of sugar other minor, such as coconut.
Sources other sweeteners, such as a dahlia tubers, wine, or grain corn, also generate some sort of sweetening but not composed of sucrose as the main component. The process to produce sugar include phase extraction (extortion) followed by purification through distillation (distillation).
There are many kinds of sugar, two of them are maple syrup and coconut sugar. This article will describe maple syrup vs coconut sugar. Which one is better?
Short Description of Maple Syrup and Coconut Sugar
Before recognizing of which one is better, we should know its descriptions first. Both maple syrup and coconut sugar have some difference. The following descriptions might help you in determining to use one of these kinds of sugar:
What is Maple Syrup?
Maple syrup is a popular sweetener made by boiling maple sap. There are three types of maple trees that can be tapped to make syrup: sugar maple (Acer saccharum), black maple (Acer nigrum), and red maple (Acer rubrum).
The trees are primarily found in the Northeast of North America, most especially in Vermont and certain areas of Canada. A single gallon of maple syrup requires approximately 40 gallons of sap. Although maple syrup is frequently used on top of pancakes, it is not the same as commercially produced pancake syrup.
Promotional pancake syrup can be made with a variety of sugar substitutes, such as corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and natural or artificial flavors. Manganese and riboflavin are abundant in maple syrup. The syrup contains antioxidants and may have some health benefits.
In sum, maple syrup has caramel notes in addition to the woodsy maple flavor you’d expect from a maple syrup product. The flavor of maple syrup can be complex, with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and even hazelnut. Coconut sugar has a caramel color and a flavor similar to maple syrup or brown sugar.
What is Coconut Sugar?
Coconut sugar, also identified as coconut palm sugar, is produced from the sap of the coconut palm tree rather than from the coconuts themselves. Coconut sugar 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.
What are Nutrition Ingredients in Maple Syrup?
As another kind of sugar, maple syrup also has some nutrition ingredients that is important for users’ body health. The USDA provides the following nutritional information for a 1/4 cup serving (83g) of maple syrup:
- Calories: 216
- Fat: 0.05g
- Sodium:10mg
- Carbohydrates: 55.6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 50.2g
- Protein: 0.03g
Carbs
Carbohydrates account for nearly all of the calories in maple syrup. A 1/4 cup serving contains 216 calories and 55.6 grams of carbohydrates. 50.2 grams of those 55.6 grams are sugars. Because maple syrup contains no fiber, it contains only a trace of starch.
Fat and Protein
Maple syrup contains almost no fat, with a single 1/4 cup serving containing less than one gram. Maple syrup also contains no protein, with a single 1/4 cup serving providing only 0.03 grams.
Vitamins and Minerals
Manganese can be found in abundance in maple syrup. A single serving contains approximately 2.41mg of the micronutrient, or approximately 104 percent of the recommended daily value. It’s also a good source of riboflavin, with 1.05mg per serving, or 81 percent of the daily value.
Maple syrup is a good source of zinc, containing 1.22mg or 11% of the daily value. Maple syrup also contains trace amounts of calcium (approximately 6% of the daily value), potassium (approximately 3.7 percent of the daily value), and magnesium (4.1 percent of the daily value).
What are Health Benefits of Maple Syrup?
The potential health benefits of maple syrup have been investigated. Researchers have discovered that the natural sap used to make maple syrup contains minerals, oligosaccharides, amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds in addition to sugar (sucrose). These compounds and nutrients may provide some benefits to people who consume maple syrup, but much of the research is still in its early stages.
1. Maple syrup may help Prevent Cell Damage and Disease
The antioxidant content of maple syrup may have disease-prevention properties. Antioxidants are substances that may aid in the prevention or postponement of certain types of cell damage that can lead to disease.
Antioxidants, in particular, aid in the prevention of oxidative stress, which occurs in cells when your body is exposed to free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but we are also exposed to them in the environment through factors such as air pollution and cigarette smoke.
2. Maple syrup can improve hydration and perceive exercise exertion
Maple syrup has grown in popularity among athletes seeking the best way to rehydrate and maintain energy levels during prolonged exercise. According to some studies, a beverage made from maple syrup could be a viable alternative to traditional sports drinks.
3. Maple syrup is useful in treatment of some cancers
Maple syrup has been investigated for its potential role in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal cancers. While the studies are promising, it is important to note that the research is still in its early stages, and much more research is required before we can be certain whether consuming the syrup or syrup extract can provide any benefit in humans.
4. Maple syrup has a potential in management of diabetes
The oligosaccharides found in maple syrup are a type of carbohydrate formed when three to ten simple sugars are linked together. The oligosaccharide in maple syrup (fructose and glucose) is noteworthy because it helped rats with diabetes process sugars in a way that helped them maintain lower overall blood glucose levels in a rodent study.
The Varieties of Maple Syrup
There are four classes of maple syrup and each vary in color and taste:
1. Golden maple syrup
Golden maple syrup has the lightest color and a mild, delicate flavor. It is made from sap collected at the start of the sugaring season. Golden maple syrup is delicious on pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or cooked oatmeal.
2. Amble maple syrup
Amber maple syrup is slightly darker and has a richer flavor. We can use it in desserts or vinaigrettes.
3. Dark maple syrup
Dark maple syrup has a caramelized flavor and is often used in savory dishes, baking, and sauces.
4. Very dark maple syrup
Sap harvested at the end of the sugaring season yields very dark maple syrup. It has a richer, more distinct flavor that is ideal for glazes and sauces.
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After recognizing the facts about maple syrup, we can know that the flavor profile of coconut sugar is similar to that of maple syrup, and its glycemic index and calorie content are lower. However, the health benefits and refinement process of maple syrup naturally crown maple syrup as superior to coconut sugar.
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