Sugar is a food and drink ingredient that has become an inseparable part of our lives. Almost every day we consume it because most of the food and drinks we eat contain sugar.
Granulated Sugar and Palm Sugar
There are many types of sugar that we know. One of them is granulated sugar. Granulated sugar is the most common sugar we know. This type of sugar is the one most widely used in everyday life, especially in the kitchen. Granulated sugar is in the form of small white crystals with a rough texture. This sugar is formed from sugar cane liquid which is heated until it crystallizes, then the syrup liquid is separated so that only the sugar crystals remain.
Apart from granulated sugar, we also know palm sugar. Both have a sweet taste, but palm sugar has a distinctive taste and aroma. Palm sugar or kawung sugar is round or flat, dense like a coconut shell with a bright brown color. Palm sugar is made from palm tree sap which is heated and then poured into molds and left to cool.
Comparison of Granulated Sugar and Palm Sugar
So which sugar is better to use? Palm sugar and granulated sugar are actually often used for different applications. If a food or drink that usually uses granulated sugar is replaced with palm sugar, the taste will be different or vice versa. So that in terms of usage it can be said that both are equally good according to their respective roles. When compared in terms of nutrition and health benefits, palm sugar has several advantages compared to granulated sugar.
In the manufacturing process, granulated sugar involves chemicals such as lime and calcium hydroxide to assist in the settling phase. Apart from that, white sugar also undergoes a refining phase. These things cause the natural nutritional content of sugar to decrease. However, the results of this process make granulated sugar have a consistent sweet taste.
Different from the process of making palm sugar. When compared to granulated sugar, palm sugar production is generally shorter and done traditionally. The manufacturing process includes filtering the sap, followed by heating and thickening the sap, which is then poured into a mold and waited for it to cool. With this simple process, the nutritional benefits of palm sugar are maintained.
Benefits of Palm Sugar
Palm sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to granulated sugar. This means that palm sugar is slower and more stable in increasing blood sugar, thereby keeping energy constant. Palm sugar also contains iron, calcium and vitamin B and contains fiber which can help the body absorb sugar. But it’s worth remembering to still consume palm sugar in moderation.
When compared between granulated sugar and palm sugar, both have their respective advantages. Granulated sugar has a more consistent sweet taste and is easier to obtain, while palm sugar has a higher nutritional content and health benefits. We must remain wise in consuming both so as not to overdo it. Because high sugar consumption can however increase health risks.
Even though food or drinks containing sugar have a sweet taste that is delicious to consume, they have high health risks if not controlled. It’s a good idea to reduce your consumption of sweets and try using creamer in your drinks or food. Creamer can be an alternative for those of you who want to avoid health problems caused by sugar. Don’t forget to use high quality creamer products from Santos Premium Creamer. You can get it at our official online shop at Tokopedia and Shopee.
https://masoemuniversity.ac.id/berita/kajian-pangan-kenali-jenis-gula-yang-ada-di-pasaran.php
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gula_aren
https://gapgindo.com/berita-48-proses-pembuatan-gula-kristal-putih.php
