Many cultures have long treasured palm sugar, a natural sweetener made from the sap of different palm plants. Because of its distinct flavour and many health advantages, it’s a great substitute for refined sugar.
Rich in nutrients
Many of the vitamins and minerals included in the palm sap are still present in palm sugar, in contrast to refined white sugar, which has been devoid of vital nutrients. Iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc are among its many essential nutrients. Red blood cell synthesis depends on iron, neurone and muscle activity is supported by magnesium, blood pressure is regulated by potassium, and wound healing and immune function are aided by zinc. Instead of using white sugar in your regular baking and cooking, use palm sugar. It adds an organic nutritional boost to tea, coffee, smoothies, and desserts.
Low glycaemic index
The low glycaemic index (GI) of palm sugar is one of its main advantages. Low GI foods release glucose more gradually and steadily, reducing blood sugar spikes. Because of this, palm sugar is a better choice for people who have diabetes or want to have consistent energy levels all day. Have breakfast sweetened with palm sugar to start your day. Consider mixing it with your yoghurt, muesli or cereal. This can help you avoid the mid-morning slump and maintain a steady level of energy.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as those found in palm sugar, aid in shielding the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Free radicals, which can harm cells and play a role in ageing and a number of diseases, are neutralised by antioxidants. You can enhance the amount of these healthy components in your diet by consuming palm sugar. By including palm sugar in your snacks, you can increase their nutritious worth. Use it to add sweetness to fruit salads, trail mixes, and homemade granola bars. This increases the antioxidant content of your snacks while also adding deliciousness.
Environmentally friendly
Compared to other sweeteners, palm sugar production is frequently more environmentally friendly. It is a renewable resource because the procedure includes harvesting the sap from palm palms without endangering the trees. Furthermore, palm trees have a smaller environmental impact because they need less room and water to flourish. Select palm sugar from suppliers who employ environmentally friendly processes to support sustainable practices. Seek for goods with the labels “organic” or “fair trade,” as these suggest ethical sourcing and consideration for the environment.
Lower caloric content
Compared to many other sweeteners, palm sugar has fewer calories, which makes it a good option for people limiting their calorie consumption. Because of its rich, caramel-like flavour, you need less of it to get the right amount of sweetness, which cuts down on calories even more. When using palm sugar in dishes where its unique flavour might improve the meal, replace normal sugar with palm sugar. This covers both savoury foods like marinades and sauces as well as baked items like cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Contains inulin
Inulin is a kind of dietary fibre found in palm sugar that functions as a prebiotic. Prebiotics help the gut’s good bacteria proliferate, which helps strengthen the immune system and facilitate better digestion. Additionally, inulin promotes feelings of fullness and helps control blood sugar levels, all of which support healthy weight management. When cooking, use palm sugar in recipes that maximise the health advantages of inulin. For instance, add it to handmade fermented foods that require sugar to ferment, such as kefir or kombucha. This gives the beverage additional prebiotic advantages in addition to sweetness.
