While the ketogenic, or “keto” diet has been used as an effective treatment for people with epilepsy, it has also become a trendy way to lose weight. And it does seem to be an effective way to help people shed those unwanted pounds. But it is best to look at keto as a short-term aid due to its high levels of saturated fat and the low number of fruits, vegetables, and grains which are crucial for good health. In this article we will explore the sweeter side of keto. We will ask and answer the question “is coconut palm sugar keto”?
What Is Keto?
Keto is essentially a low-carb diet. The diet involves getting most calories from fat and protein and drastically limiting carbohydrates. The goal is to put the body into a state of ketosis. This is when fat and protein are broken down and used for energy instead of carbohydrates, the body’s preferred source. It should be noted that it can take several days for this process to start occurring.
The keto diet is usually associated with high fat animal-based foods but can also be successfully accomplished by vegetarians and vegans by eating high fat plant foods.
What Is Coconut Palm Sugar?
Coconut Palm Sugar is a natural sugar made from the sap of the coconut palm tree. The sap is collected from the stem of the flower which is then boiled and dried out to form crystals. Coconut sugar is sweet and has a similar look to brown sugar. This sugar has been hailed as a healthier option to conventional sugar as it is minimally processed and not bleached. But is coconut palm sugar keto? As you probably guessed by the title, the answer is no. Read on and find out why.
Is Coconut Palm Sugar Keto?
We now know that carbohydrates and keto do not mix. In one teaspoon of coconut sugar there is about 18 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. So, is coconut palm sugar keto? As stated, the answer is no because per serving, coconut sugar is just too high in net carbs to qualify as keto friendly.
Alternatives
These days there are several keto-friendly sweetener options available. Here are a few to look at.
- Xylitol – xylitol is sweet like sugar but has fewer calories. It is absorbed slower by the body and therefore does not raise blood sugar levels. It is used often in candies, mints, or sugar-free gum.
- Stevia – stevia is a popular keto-friendly sweetener that especially good in coffee or tea. Another option with stevia is to add fresh stevia leaves to boiled water, tea, lemonade, or smoothies.
- Allulose – allulose is almost as sweet as sugar and is widely used in many keto-friendly products such as protein bars, syrups, and dessert type foods.
- Monk Fruit – monk fruit is an extract that has no calories or carbs which makes it perfect for a keto diet. It is a good choice for sauces, salad dressings or smoothies.
- Erythritol – erythritol registers zero on the glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels. It is a good sugar substitute for baking keto-friendly goodies.
Conclusion
You can now confidently respond the next time someone asks you is coconut palm sugar keto? And you now know that there are several choices other than coconut sugar on the market to choose from. If you or someone you know is interested in trying keto for a time, keep in mind there is room for a little sweetness in your diet.