Description
Nutritional Value of Palm Sugar:
Palm sugar may contain several bioactive compounds like flavonoids and some phenolic compounds. It may also contain minerals and vitamin C. Additionally, some other nutritional components in 50 g of palm sugar are as follows:
| Nutritional Component | Nutritional Value (in g/ 100 cc) |
| Ash | 0.54 g/ 100 cc |
| Reduced sugar | 0.96 g/ 100 cc |
| Nitrogen | 0.056 g/ 100 cc |
| Protein | 0.35 g/ 100 cc |
| Total sugar | 10.93 g/ 100 cc |
| Phosphorus | 0.14 g/ 100 cc |
| Iron | 0.4 g/ 100 cc |
| Vitamin B1 | 3.9 IU |
| Vitamin C | 13.25 mg/100 cc |
Potential Uses of Palm Sugar for Overall Health:
Some of the potential benefits of palm sugar are:
1. Potential use of palm sugar as an antioxidant
Palm sugar may act as antioxidant due to the presence of bioactive compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies have shown that palm sugar may show its antioxidant potential by deactivating harmful free radicals. Free radicals are atoms that damage the cells to cause diseases. However, further studies are required to check the effect of palm sugar on relieving oxidative stress and humans.
2. Potential use of palm sugar to protect from DNA damage
Palm sugar may possess the ability to protect the DNA from damage. DNA damage may lead to various diseases like cancer and genetic disorders. The result of a study suggested that palm sugar extract may protect the DNA from damage by harmful free radicals. This may be due to the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols. However, more research is yet to be done to check the protective effect of palm sugar against DNA damage.
3. Potential use of palm sugar for diabetic ulcers
Diabetic ulcers are one of the most common complications of type-2 diabetes that occur in the lower part of body. They may be caused due to infections, disorders of the nervous system or impaired blood flow. The presence of these conditions may make the body more susceptible to infections, cause tissue death and delay wound healing. Diabetic ulcers are infected sores, and it is crucial for the timely wound healing to prevent infections and complications. Palm sugar contains several macronutrients and micronutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and C, proteins and minerals that may aid wound healing. Ratnasari et al. conducted a study in 2021 that may have confirmed that palm sugar may heal diabetic ulcers.3 However, you must consult your doctor instead of self-medicating if you have diabetic ulcers.
4. Potential use of palm sugar for cancer
Palm sugar may reduce the risk of colon cancer through its antioxidant activity. In addition, vitamins and minerals in palm sugar may help to lower the cancer risk.4 More studies are yet to be done on humans to check the anti-cancer activity of palm sugar. Cancer is a serious disease; therefore, you must seek medical help instead of self-medicating.
5. Potential use of palm sugar to reduce fatigue and boost energy
Lactic acid accumulation in the muscles may cause fatigue and cramps during and after exercise. A study showed that the ability to eliminate free radicals from the body might reduce the levels of lactic acid in the blood and reduce muscle fatigue.
Additionally, palm sugars contain carbohydrates which may act as an energy source. This may be beneficial for sportspersons who require energy sources from carbohydrates. A study showed that palm sugar might be a good energy source, and sportsmen could exercise better after its consumption.5 Further studies are required to confirm if palm sugar can reduce muscle fatigue and boost energy.
6. Potential use of palm sugar for the production of red blood cells and antibodies
Palm sugar may aid the production of red blood cells and antibodies. This may be due to the presence of vitamin B6 in palm sugars.3 However, more research is yet to be done to confirm if palm sugar can help in the formation of red blood cells and antibodies.
7. Potential use of palm sugar in lowering the glycemic index
The Glycemic index is a value that measures the increase in blood sugar level in the presence of a specific food. Coconut sugar, a type of palm sugar may have several health benefits due to its low glycemic index. Coconut sugar may reduce the glycemic index values of other food products also.4
8. Potential use of palm sugar as a natural sweetener
Palm sugar may be used as a natural sweetener. Palm sugar has a lower glycemic index, hence it may be beneficial for those with high blood sugar levels.4
Though some studies show the benefits of palm sugar in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of palm sugar on human health.
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