Coconut can be processed into various products. One of them is coconut flour or desiccated coconut. People on gluten-free diets often use this flour in baking. Moreover, the sugar in coconut flour is also safe for those who are diabetic.
Manufacturers who produce coconut milk commonly also produce coconut flour. After manufacturers ground coconut flesh and extract its milk, they dry the ground coconut at low heat and processed it into coconut powder.
Nutrients and Sugar in Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is gluten-free flour. The sugar content in coconut flour is approximately 1 gram per 2 tablespoons. In addition, 2 tablespoons of coconut flour contain 5 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of healthy fat.
Despite the amount of sugar in coconut flour, the flour is relatively safe for people with diabetes because it has a low glycemic index of 51. Combined with the high fiber, the GI of coconut flour will not cause a significant blood sugar spike.
Coconut Flour’s Potential Health Benefits
Substituting a certain amount of wheat flour with coconut flour in your baking is an excellent way to improve your health. What are the benefits of coconut flour?
1. Improve Digestion
Coconut flour help you digest food better because it is very rich in fiber. From the coconut flour, you will get soluble and insoluble fiber.
2. Control Blood Sugar Spikes
Substituting a certain amount of wheat flour with coconut flour will help you control blood sugar spikes because of the low GI of coconut flour.
3. Lose Weight
The fiber in coconut flour may help you to lose weight. The flour makes you full longer. Therefore, you can curb your desire to eat.
4. Manage Illnesses
Gluten spike can cause people with autoimmune disorders to suffer from numerous health issues. However, since coconut flour is gluten free, you can safely add it in your diet.
Coconut flour is an excellent gluten-free flour. It contains healthy fat, fiber, and protein in a considerable amount. Meanwhile, the sugar in coconut flour will not cause blood sugar spikes due to its low GI. It is no wonder that coconut flour offers various health benefits.
