For some time we have incorporated some sweeteners other than white sugar into our diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared itself the public enemy of common sugar and has sparked interest in other types of sweeteners such as, for example, sugar. panela. Supermarkets, as is the case with Mercadona, responded to this request from users by including some of these popular and recommended sweeteners on their shelves.
But is panela as healthy as we think? How is it different from white sugar? Is it better to take panela than to take sugar? We answer all these questions below.
What is panela?
Although panela is easily found in any supermarket, such as Mercadona, or a herbalist, it is not the most popular sweetener. Panela is a juice obtained from the pressing of sugar cane, which is dehydrated and solidifies to be sold in the form of panels or granules.
Unlike white sugar or brown sugar, panela does not go through the centrifugation or refining process, so the sugar is not separated from the molasses in the whole process, something that does happen in white sugar. It is precisely for this reason that panela acquires that brown tone.
Is it as healthy as we think?
Due to the process it is subjected to, panela has a lower caloric content than in the case of white sugar. It has a series of micronutrients, among which calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron stand out, which are not in sugar. However, despite the fact that it is healthier than the sugars that are normally served at the bar, this does not mean that it is a good product for health.
The free consumption of panela is not recommended, that is, uncontrolled, since, despite the benefits that this food can provide, it is still not healthy. For example, to obtain the recommended amount of calcium we would have to take a kilo of panela a day, which implies a dose of calories and sugars that are too high.
The consumption amounts of panela remain the same as those of sugar, that is, a maximum of 25 grams per day. The excessive consumption of both panela and sugar can cause overweight, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
So, despite the fact that the WHO recommends the consumption of panela before white sugar, the truth is that both foods are harmful to health, so they should be avoided as much as possible.
Mercadona panela, is it recommended?
For several years now, we can find panela on Mercadona’s shelves. But is it recommended? Well, like any brand of this sweetener, its excessive consumption on a daily basis is not recommended. It will always be better to opt for a punctual consumption.
Does panela change the taste of food or is it just as sweet as sugar? The truth is that this ingredient is much less sweet than white sugar, so to obtain the same flavor you will have to add more, something that we do not advise.
Of course, its price, like that of other sweeteners in Mercadona, is quite cheap, so we recommend you buy this product and try it. Who knows, you might start to like panela in your mid-afternoon coffee.
