Coconut Sugar, Brown Sugar, Jaggery, Or Regular Sugar - Which Is The Healthiest?

Sugar consumed because of its sweetness and out-of-this-world flavour is known for causing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. People who crave sugar and look for healthier options frequently ask if coconut sugar, brown sugar, or ayurvedic jaggery is beneficial. So, if you're looking to satisfy your sweet cravings while making healthier choices, let's explore the world of sugar substitutes and discover which ones might be a good fit for you.

Coconut sugar vs Brown sugar vs Jaggery vs Regular sugar:

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1. Coconut sugar

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Coconut sugar, made from the sap of coconut palm flowers, not the coconut fruit itself, has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Its key advantage lies in its lower glycemic index (GI), which helps in a less dramatic spike in blood sugar levels than regular sugar. While it boasts a unique caramel-like flavour and contains trace amounts of minerals, it's important to remember that coconut sugar still contains calories and fructose. Overconsumption can still contribute to health problems.

2. Brown Sugar

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Brown sugar is essentially refined white sugar. Brown sugar is a classic choice for cookies, cakes, and other treats, contributing to their familiar, comforting taste. Brown sugar has drawbacks like high glycemic index and should consumed in moderation. Compared to some alternative sweeteners, brown sugar is usually a more affordable option.

3. Jaggery

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Jaggery is a traditional sweetener made from concentrated sugarcane juice and offers a fascinating alternative to refined sugars. It is still a type of sugar which you should consume in moderation. In Ayurvedic practices, jaggery works as a digestive aid after meals. Some scientific studies suggest jaggery has a slightly less dramatic impact on blood sugar when compared to refined sugar, but further research is needed. Jaggery boasts a small amount of vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium, which neither white nor brown sugar has.

4. Regular sugar

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White sugar comes from either sugarcane or sugar beets. The juice from these plants is processed to strip away everything but pure sucrose. It lacks vitamins, minerals, or fibre, providing only energy with no nutritional benefit. Overconsumption of refined sugar causes many health concerns, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. Refined sugar has a high glycemic index, causing rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can increase cravings and metabolic instability.

Which is better: Coconut sugar vs brown sugar vs jaggery vs regular sugar?

Regardless of choice, sugar should be consumed in moderation, as it can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. Out of all the above, Jaggery is reasonable the safest bet.

Instead of sugar, fruits can also be your primary source of sweetness. They come packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants.

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