Sweetness is often a cherished taste in food and drinks. Many people love it, including children, who typically enjoy sweet flavors. It’s not unusual for mothers to add a bit of sweetener to complementary foods (MPASI) to make them more enjoyable for their little ones.
Unfortunately, many people are still unsure which sweetener is appropriate for their babies, because choosing the wrong sweetener can affect a baby’s health. Naturally, you wouldn’t want that to happen to your child, right? Among the many alternatives available is organic coconut sugar. But is it a safe option for your little one? Let’s find out in the following explanation.
What Is Organic Coconut Sugar?
Indonesians often confuse it with brown sugar, popularly called “Gula Jawa.” Although both are made from sap either from coconut or aren (sugar) trees there’s a key difference. Pure coconut sugar is made entirely from sap, while brown sugar typically contains sap blended with white or refined sugar.
Visually, brown sugar looks more appealing because it has a bright, solid color, while organic coconut sugar often has an uneven coloring. That’s why people sometimes prefer brown sugar over organic coconut sugar.
Nutritional Content
Organic coconut sugar contains a range of nutrients and vitamins that have a profoundly positive impact on health and this applies to infants as well. Some of these nutrients include zinc, iron, and magnesium, which are crucial for growth.
Additionally, organic coconut sugar contains 12 essential B-complex vitamins. Among its benefits, this natural sweetener can help maintain healthy muscles and skin, aid in metabolism, and, more importantly, minimize the risk of pancreas cancer. It also contains vitamin C, which plays a key role in strengthening the immune system especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
Low Glyemic Index
As we know, white sugar has a high glyemic index, which can put those who consume it frequently at risk of developing diabetes. Naturally, that’s something we want to avoid for our children from an early age. The good news is that organic coconut sugar has a low glyemic index, making it a much safer option for consumption.
Conclusion
Back to the initial question is organic coconut sugar safe for infants’ food? According to Dr. Lucia Nauli Simbolon, a pediatric specialist at RSAB Harapan Kita, adding a small amount of this natural sweetener to complementary food is acceptable. However, it’s very important not to overdo it. Too much can harm your little ones, putting them at risk of obesity and dental problems. Naturally, you don’t want your child to suffer from obesity or dental issues at a young age, right?
This is the explanation about organic coconut sugar. Always choose the highest quality, such as Gulapa, which is proven to be different in taste while emphasizing a natural and hygienic production process. Happy trying!
