The benefits of brown sugar for body health are said to be better than white sugar. In fact, this sugar can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed in reasonable amounts.
Brown sugar is produced from coconut sap, which is the sweet liquid secreted by the coconut tree. This sugar is generally used as a sweetener to make cooking spices.
Compared to white sugar, brown sugar is considered more nutritious so that the benefits of brown sugar for health are more diverse. This is because some of the nutrients contained in coconuts are also available in brown sugar, although the amount is limited. These nutrients include iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.
Benefits of Brown Sugar for Health
Brown sugar consumed in moderation can bring health benefits. The following are some of the benefits of brown sugar that can be obtained:
- Prevent low blood sugar
You need sugar or glucose intake to increase energy. Therefore, consumption of sugar, such as brown sugar, is still necessary so that you don’t experience low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
However, limit consumption because excessive consumption of brown sugar can also make blood sugar soar.
- As an alternative to sugar for diabetics
Brown sugar has a low glycemic index. That is, consuming this sugar in the right portion will not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, making it safer for diabetics to consume.
The benefits of brown sugar can be obtained thanks to the inulin content in it. Inulin is a soluble fiber that can slow the absorption of sugar, thereby minimizing the rapid spike in blood sugar after eating.
- Meet the body’s mineral needs
Consumption of brown sugar can meet the needs of minerals than consuming white sugar. This is because brown sugar contains several important minerals that the body needs, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.
However, the amount is very limited, so you need to consume foods high in other minerals so that your daily mineral needs are met. Some foods high in minerals that are good for consumption, for example nuts, shellfish, oysters, cauliflower, broccoli, eggs, avocados, and strawberries.
- Prevent fatigue
Consuming brown sugar can prevent you from experiencing fatigue, and can even minimize the risk of developing anemia. The benefits of brown sugar can be obtained thanks to the iron content in it.
However, keep in mind that the iron content of brown sugar is very limited. This means that to prevent fatigue or anemia, you need to eat other iron-rich foods, such as lean meat, chicken, eggs, shrimp, tuna, sardines, mackerel, peas, tofu, tempeh, and broccoli.
- Maintain bone health
Thanks to the calcium and potassium content in it, consumption of brown sugar can maintain bone health. This is because the calcium content in it is needed to form strong bones.
Meanwhile, potassium is useful for minimizing the wasting of calcium through urine. This allows calcium to be absorbed more optimally, so that bone health is better maintained and you are at lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
The benefits of brown sugar for health are diverse, but you still need to limit its consumption so that your health is better maintained. As with other types of sugar, you are at high risk of experiencing health problems, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, if consumed in excess.
The nutrients contained in brown sugar are also very limited. That is, you cannot rely on brown sugar alone to maintain health. So, don’t forget to eat other healthy foods with a variety of nutrients to stay healthy.
To find out how much brown sugar should be consumed, you can consult a doctor. The doctor will recommend the recommended amount of brown sugar intake based on your health condition so that the benefits of brown sugar can be felt to the fullest.