Is piloncillo a healthy option?

The piloncillo, also known as panela or chancaca, is a sweetener made from unrefined sugarcane juice. Although it is widely known in Mexico, this type of sweetener is also produced in Latin America, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Spain. The word “chancaca” comes from the Nahuatl chiancaca, which means “brown sugar,” according to experts. In Mexico, piloncillo began to be produced and consumed after 1493 when Spanish colonizers introduced the sugarcane and its cultivation. According to the Agricultural and Fisheries Information Service, “at that time it was the main sweetening source for farmers and rural residents.” You can also read: Agave Honey: A Beneficial or Harmful Alternative?Is piloncillo healthy?Experts point out that, unlike other sweeteners, piloncillo is natural and contains no chemicals; however, it has a high content of carbohydrates. On the other hand, it also contains sucrose, fructose, and glucose, so it is best to consume it in very small amounts. A document published by the government of Veracruz indicates that piloncillo “is classified as a complete product that costs no more. However, the current trend of consuming low-calorie products puts this sweetener at a slight disadvantage due to its energy contribution, but consuming it moderately can contribute to a good diet without health issues.”Vitamins and minerals in piloncilloAccording to information published by the government of Veracruz, piloncillo is rich in various nutrients:CalciumMagnesiumPhosphorusIronManganeseVitamin AVitamin B1Vitamin B2Vitamin B5Vitamin B6Vitamin CVitamin D2Vitamin EHowever, the amount of nutrients is minimal compared to the 312 calories it contains per 100-gram serving, so it is best to consult your doctor before including piloncillo in your diet, especially if you have any illness like diabetes.What do the experts say?The nutritionists collaborating with Kiwilimón tell us why they do or do not recommend consuming piloncillo.Mayte Martín del Campo points out that brown sugar or piloncillo undergoes less processing than white sugar, so it retains its nutrients better, including B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. In terms of energy, it provides the same calories. Meanwhile, Jennifer Asencio does not recommend piloncillo, as it has a high glycemic index, contains more calories, and is much sweeter than regular sugar. For her part, Gina Rangel indicates that being 100% natural, it provides energy and is absorbed correctly for metabolic functioning processes. You can also read: The Benefits of Replacing Sugar with Monk Fruit