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Nowadays everyone is trying to reduce sugar consumption. Regardless of switching to stevia, honey or grapes, the search for healthier alternatives continues. Dates are a popular choice for adding a sweet sweetness to smoothies, desserts, and even savory recipes. However, there is another date-based sweetener that is very popular among health-conscious people: date sugar. It's a more natural and nutritious option to satisfy your sweet tooth. But how much healthier is it compared to regular white sugar? Let's find out. Before we learn more about palm sugar, let's take a look at the benefits of the fruits from which it is made.
Good for digestion: Dates are rich in fiber, which ensures smooth digestion and prevents bloating and constipation.
Rich in Nutrients: It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and B vitamins that boost energy levels and keep your body healthy.
Natural energy booster: Thanks to their nutrient-rich profile, dates ensure a quick and consistent release of energy. This makes it a great pre-workout snack or midday snack.
Improves Skin: Vitamin C and D work wonders on your skin. These nutrients can help your skin heal if it has problems.
Supports Bone Health: Dates contain minerals like calcium and magnesium that keep bones strong and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
As the name suggests, palm sugar is a powder made from dried dates. It is made from dried dates and, unlike refined sugar, contains no nutrients. Since we use whole dates with seeds, they do not dissolve in hot drinks or baked goods and you can still taste the fiber. In addition, its caramel-like taste makes it perfect for baking, sprinkling on breakfast cereal or sweetening smoothies.
Anyone can eat dates. Instead of one, at least two or three, depending on your blood sugar levels. Diabetics are advised to avoid sugary foods because they can increase blood sugar levels. In fact, dates are useful for diabetics as they are rich in fiber. However, make sure to consume it in moderation.
To understand whether regular white sugar is healthier than palm sugar, let's first look at the calorie content of each sugar. Nine grams of regular sugar contains about 20 calories and has a high glycemic index of about 65, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, says nutritionist Amita Gadre. The same amount of palm sugar (a similar calorie count of 15 to 20 calories) usually has a glycemic index of less than about 42 and does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly as regular sugar. However, nutritionists also point out that the low glycemic index does not mean that it can be consumed in moderation.
