Indonesians are now starting to shift their view from white sugar or refined sugar to organic coconut sugar. How come? The benefits offered by this natural sweetener are more enticing than ordinary sugar. Organic coconut sugar contains many nutrients, such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, and more.
Organic coconut sugar also has a low glyemic index of only 35. This is quite different from refined sugar, which has a much higher glyemic index of 65, quite high, isn’t it? Naturally, with a low glyemic index, the question arises: Is this sugar safe for people with diabetes?
Consuming coconut sugar is fairly safe for people with diabetes, but it should not be done in excess. It’s better to follow some guidelines below. Let’s take a look together!
Guidance for Using Coconut Sugar
As previously explained, organic coconut sugar can be an alternative to white sugar, making it a reasonably safe option for people with diabetes. Coconut sugar has a taste similar to ordinary sugar, although it has a slight caramel-like flavor.
What should be kept in mind is avoiding consuming coconut sugar alongside large amounts of carbohydrates. Also, avoid frequently consuming processed foods, which are poor in nutrients; this could make the fructose content in coconut sugar become a hidden danger for diabetes patients.
Reduce the Quantity
Coconut sugar is still a form of sugar, although it has a low glyemic index. Ideally, people with diabetes should avoid consuming sugar, but if you want a bit of sweetness, coconut sugar can be a viable solution.
It’s worth noting that the amount of coconut sugar should be kept lower than normally used. For example, if you want a sweet tea or a sweet meal, use less coconut sugar. The sweetness will remain nearly the same, but health-wise it’s a much safer option. Diabetic patients are recommended not to consume more than 50 grams of sugar.
Pair it with Other Foods
Essentially, people with diabetes should follow a lifestyle that is healthier than most people. Therefore, it’s a good idea for diabetes patients to combine their food with vegetables to increase its health benefits. If you consume foods made with coconut sugar, such as cookies, it’s recommended you balance it by adding vegetables, soup, or cap cay.
If you’re not a big lover of veggies, another option is to combine coconut sugar with ingredients like honey and cinnamon. Honey and cinnamon are considered to be more diabetes-friendly because they do not raise blood sugar levels quickly.
Consult a Doctor
The safest guideline is always to consult a doctor first, as people with diabetes have different conditions and standards for managing their disease. The information provided by a doctor is more accurate and reliable. Coconut sugar does offer a sweet taste and nutrients that are beneficial to health; however, it is still a form of sugar that contains fructose and a glyemic index. Although it’s low, this is a consideration for people with diabetes.
