Brown sugar: what is it made of, its health benefits and harms

Natural sugar from cane is a dietary source of carbohydrates. This product began to be produced in India, from where it subsequently spread around the world. In Russia, the cane product was not studied for a long time. Currently, it is becoming popular among fans of rational nutrition. It is supposed to be much healthier than regular sugar and causes less harm to the body.

Types of cane sugar

Before choosing such a product, you should study the technology of production and know the difference between types of cane sweetener.

According to the principle of production, there are the following types:

1. Refined or white sugar, which is made by refining, that is, by turning it into syrup. The product is then filtered, evaporated and dried.
2. Unrefined or brown product. It is practically never refined. This variant is most often used in food.

A variety of brown sugar:

1. Muscovado - has a distinct caramel smell, honey color and is characterized by slightly moist and sticky crystals of small size. It grows mainly in South America.
2. Demerara is characterized by hard and sticky crystals of golden color. It also grows in South American regions near the Demerara River, from which it takes its name.
3. Softmolasses - contains a lot of molasses and has a very dark coloring, a pronounced smell and taste of cane.
4. Turbinado - this type of sugar is processed with a water centrifuge. Steam is also used in this case in order to remove various impurities. It is presented in the form of dry large crystals. Delivered from Hawaii.
5. Gur is a special kind of sugar, which is obtained in India. It is the condensed juice of sugar cane, and is obtained by slow extrusion, which allows preserving all its useful qualities. Its hue and texture resemble that of soft sherbet.

How cane sugar differs from regular sugar

Unlike its beet sugar counterpart, cane sugar contains 20 times more of the mineral potassium, 10 times more iron and 85 times more calcium. In addition, the cane sugar product contains magnesium, while beet sugar does not have it at all. Also in this type of sugar there are representatives of the vitamin group B. They help to improve the metabolism and are responsible for the healthy activity of the body as a whole.

The difference is also felt in the organoleptic signs. Thus, the cane counterpart is characterized by the presence of caramel color and flavor. The dishes made of this product are exquisite, with a delicate taste and smell of caramel. This property is especially valued in the manufacture of drinks and sauces.

The specific coloring of such a sugar component is explained by the fact that its composition includes molasses (black treacle). It is a source of useful substances and protein. Thus, the darker the sugar, the more molasses it contains and the more useful the product.

As for the energy value of these varieties of sweetener, it is almost the same.

Which sugar is better?

Despite the same caloric value, there is still a difference. Thus, the cane product contains more vitamins and mineral compounds, which are useful for the body. In addition, it refers to slow carbohydrates, so you will not gain weight because of it or get an excess of glucose in the body.

As for refined products, they are all equally harmful. But if we take unrefined sugars, cane sugar is much healthier in this case. As stated above, its content of useful substances is much more, compared to the beet product.

Which sugar is sweeter: cane sugar or beet sugar

It is believed that sugar produced from cane raw materials is sweeter. But according to GOST all kinds of sweeteners that are produced in industry consist almost entirely of sucrose. The level of sweetness depends on it.

The crystals of cane sugar are larger. For this reason, it seems sweeter when taken in the mouth. If you dissolve both variants in a hot drink, their degree of sweetness will be about the same.

Composition and calories

Cane sweetener is an excellent product that will not harm the waistline. It concentrates many micro- and macronutrients, as well as vitamin substances with valuable qualities. The amount of Ca, Mg, Fe, P, Zn such granulated sugar surpasses all its analogues. Therefore, it is impossible to overestimate its usefulness for humans. In Western countries such sugar is used by vegetarians to provide the body with iron and magnesium.

Sugar from cane juice contains B vitamins.

The caloric value of the product is from 370 to 400 kcal per 100 grams.

How cane sugar is useful

General benefits

For most consumers, this sugar is almost no different from the usual sugar. Except that the difference lies in the color of the product. But this opinion is wrong. Sugar produced from cane sugar is characterized by a lot of positive properties.

Due to a unique manufacturing technology, brown sugar preserves more valuable vitamins and minerals than its beet counterpart. This is why it is considered useful for the body. For example, it contains a high concentration of iron, which is especially important for low blood hemoglobin levels, as well as iron deficiency anemia.

The product is recommended for people who have given up food of animal origin, as well as those who follow a strict diet. This is due to the large amount of iron and B-group vitamin substances. They help to strengthen the immune system, slow down the natural aging process.

Such sugar will help the CNS work and eliminate the effects of stress, improve mood and get rid of insomnia. The natural glucose in such a sweetener improves mental activity, concentration and memory.

The phosphorus and calcium in the product are good for teeth and bones. They strengthen them and reduce the likelihood of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

In addition, cane sugar helps normalize the activity of the liver and spleen.

Potassium and magnesium are also found in brown sugar, which in combination ensure the functioning of the cardiovascular system, acting as a preventive measure.

For women

Cane sugar eliminates problems with sleep, gets rid of headaches and fatigue. It is also able to regulate blood pressure, as a result of which the symptoms of nausea, dizziness, hot flashes disappear, and the normal heart rate is restored.

Fiber in the product helps to cleanse the body of toxins and toxic substances. In addition, brown sugar regulates metabolism, as a result of which the work of the digestive tract is established. This is due to the fact that fiber and dietary fiber facilitate digestion and ensure rapid excretion of food from the body. Also sugar from cane juice can quickly and permanently quench the feeling of hunger. With its regular use in optimal quantities, you can get rid of extra centimeters on the waist.

Such a component can be used not only as a food, but also as a cosmetic product. As you know, sugar is a component of the paste that is used for shugaring.

For men.

The sweet cane product is a source of energy. Due to this property, sugar gives a man strength, stamina, increasing his ability to work. It has a positive effect on the nervous system, improves the emotional state and liveliness.

It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. At the expense of potassium the blood vessels and heart muscles are strengthened, and the rhythm is normalized. Sugar from cane is useful for people whose work involves mental stress. It is included in the diet of athletes and military personnel.

When pregnant

During the period of pregnancy, sugar from cane pomace can be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, replacing their beet counterpart. Compared with other sweeteners, this sugar will provide a woman's body with useful substances, normalizes the activity of the liver, brain, circulatory system. The caloric value of such a product is quite high, so it is necessary to observe the norm. The harm from frequent use for the body of the future mother will be minimal, but as a result of uncontrolled use can increase the body weight of both the woman and the fetus.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, cane sugar will bring a woman more benefits than the beet counterpart. However, in this case, it is also important to observe a measure. For a nursing woman, such a product will be useful, as it is quite easily absorbed by the body. It will help a woman to recover faster after the birth of the baby, as well as replenish the body with the necessary substances for normal life.

In addition, sugar from cane juice will improve the taste of milk, which is very important for the baby.

For kids.

The rich calcium composition helps to strengthen the bone system, preventing their fragility. This feature of the product allows you to reduce the risk of fractures, as well as a faster recovery from injury. Therefore, experts advise replacing beet sugar for children with cane sugar.

The ascorbic acid content helps to strengthen the immune system, which helps protect the body from colds, infections and inflammatory processes.

For weight loss.

Cane sugar is a coarse carbohydrate containing fiber. Because of this, it is more slowly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, it takes more calories to process it, and as a result, it is less deposited on the flanks. It is due to these properties that the cane product is popular among thinners, because it is much harder to give up sugary drinks than to replace sugar with a less dangerous for the figure.

It is possible to use such sugar as a dietary product in the diet of every person. This will help to diversify the table, enrich the body with minerals and other substances necessary for the heart and nervous system. But if you do not limit its amount, there will be no effect, since its caloric value is not insignificant.

Cane sugar for diabetes

In the mild course of diabetes, the patient is allowed to consume a little sweetness, which is prescribed by the doctor. Both types of the disease are reasons to refuse the use of sugar, regardless of the type. This is because the glycemic index of the cane product is quite high. It is equal to 55 units. Therefore, such a sweetener can increase the blood glucose index. Sugar substitutes can be used instead.

Applications in cosmetology

Brown sugar is an ingredient for obtaining a scrub. Such a product has a delicate effect on the skin. In addition, scrubs with the addition of such a component restore the fat metabolism of the dermis, moisturize it, eliminate peeling, cellulite and wrinkles. Also such mixtures can be used for massage, treatment of the skin before shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.

In this way you can prepare a facial scrub. It is suitable for any type of skin, but the first use should make sure that the mixture will not cause an allergic reaction. You will need 1 cup of cane sugar, 50 ml of olive squeeze, 2 tbsp. honey, 2 tsp. The oil of rosemary, 15 drops of lemon oil and the same amount of lavender oil.

First you need to mix the sugar component with dry rosemary, and then add honey and oil and essential ingredients. Before using, remove makeup, wipe your face with a tonic and apply the mask in circular motions. It is recommended to massage the skin for several minutes. Hold the mask for 5-7 minutes and then rinse it off.

Cottage cheese mask nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Its preparation requires 2 tbsp. cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. cane sugar in unrefined form and 1 tbsp. honey. Mix all the ingredients, for best results you can use a blender. Apply the mixture to the face and wash off after 20 minutes.

You can prepare a body scrub with this type of sugar and coconut oil. For its preparation you need 4 tbsp. cane product, 4 tbsp. fine sea salt, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, honey and lemon juice. First, mix the coconut oil and honey and warm them up to 40 degrees. In a separate bowl, combine the salt and sugar, then add the mixture of honey and oil. The resulting product should be used after showering, applying in a circular motion, and then rinse off.

Cane sugar can be used for hair care. The easiest way to use it is considered the cleansing of the scalp. It is due to the effectiveness of such a means the crystalline structure of the substance, which contributes to the soft cleansing and renewal of the epidermis. To prepare the scalp scrub, it is sufficient to mix two parts sugar with one part of the shampoo used. You should use natural detergents, so that the chemical components do not penetrate under the dermis. Before applying, moisten the hair with water and only after that, massage the head with the resulting sugar solution. Keep the mixture on the hair for a few minutes, and then rinse it off. Repeat the procedure once for normal hair, but twice if your scalp is oily.

It is no secret that the sugar syrup is quite sticky, and once it cools, it hardens. This property of the product can be used to obtain hairspray. To do this, you only need to dissolve 1 tbsp of cane product in 1 liter of water. It is recommended to pour such a mixture into a container with a sprayer for convenient use.

To prepare a mask that stimulates the growth of curls, you need to mix 1 tbsp. each of mustard in powder form, olive oil and cane sugar. All these substances should be mixed, and then add the yolk of one egg. Rub the resulting remedy into the roots. After 20 minutes, rinse. Remember that mustard will burn, but do not be afraid, because the oil and egg yolk will protect the scalp.

If you mix an egg white with the cane product, you will get a wonderful nourishing mask that will not only strengthen the curls, but also provide them with a healthy shine. To prepare it, you need to whip the mass until the granulated sugar dissolves and the protein becomes lush.

Harms and contraindications

Everyone knows that excessive consumption of sugar is detrimental to human health. It can lead to excess weight, which, in turn, increases the risk of heart and vascular disease, as well as diabetes.

Elderly people should regulate the amount of such sugar in their food, as it can increase cholesterol and glucose levels.

An excess of this product can provoke allergies, especially in young children. Cane juice refined sugar should not be used for pancreatic diseases. This organ is responsible for the assimilation of glucose, and sugar irritates this gland, as a result of which its work can be disturbed.

It is necessary to exclude this type of product in case of diabetes.

In addition, the abuse of such raffinad contributes to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

How to choose and store cane sugar

Unscrupulous manufacturers often give consumers an ordinary white sugar product colored with caramel under the guise of cane sugar.

To choose a quality product, you should be guided by the appearance. The crystals should be differently shaped, sticky and slightly moist. Information about the country of manufacture will also help to determine the authentic sugar. Since such goods come from the U.S., South America and Mauritius, they are not made in our regions.

After buying sugar, it is recommended to immediately pour it into an airtight container. It can be stored in a dry room at room temperature. It should not be placed near odorous products, as it can absorb foreign aromas.

The shelf life is eight years. To prevent rapid crystallization in contact with the air, you should put a piece of bread or tangerine peel at the bottom of the sugar bowl.

How to distinguish from fakes

There are several options for determining the authenticity of a processed cane product. So, to recognize a quality product, you should drop a little iodine in the liquid in which a small amount of analyzed sugar is dissolved. If the syrup turns blue as a result, it means that the sugar is natural.

Even just dissolving such granulated sugar in water is enough. If the liquid turns brown, it indicates that the product is a fake.

Can I make jam with cane sugar?

When cane sugar is added instead of the usual product, the dessert takes on a caramel flavor. You can mix it with its beet counterpart to save money. Some people use this kind of sugar for jams and other preparations and assure that the rolls turn out incredibly delicious.

Some also believe that you should not use this type of sweetener, otherwise the products will be ruined. This is probably due to the fact that cane sugar is often tried to fake, and as a result, a product that does not meet its requirements is obtained. Therefore, if there is confidence that the sugar is natural, it may well be used to make jam.

How much cane sugar can be eaten per day

The complete rejection of sweets leads to a disruption of blood circulation, which entails the failure of all organs and systems of the body. Consequently, sugar must necessarily be present in a person's diet. But in this case, it is important to know the acceptable norm.

If we talk about the cane variety of sugar, the daily rate is 45 grams of such sweetener. Compliance with such a dosage will not harm the figure and health in general.

Interesting facts about sugar

1. The first time in the world to produce sugar was learned on the territory of today's India.
2. In industry, sugar is made from beets or cane. In fact, it is possible to produce such a product from other crops, but these two plants are the most economically advantageous.
3. Consuming sugar results in the production of the hormone dopamine. This suggests that most people develop a real addiction.
4. The stalks of cane, which is the raw material for sugar, can reach a height of 9 meters.
5. Scientists have discovered that the tendency to excessive consumption of sweets can be a hereditary predisposition.
6. Over the past two decades, people's use of sugar has increased to 40 kilograms per year because it is a component of most foods that are used in food.
7. The uncontrolled consumption of sugar leads to an increase in insulin levels, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.
8. Sugar is an ingredient in even the most unexpected foods. For example, bread and ketchup, as well as various other sauces, contain a lot of sugar.
9. In experiments on rats, it was proved that the use of sugar in large quantities has a negative effect on the activity of the brain, namely the deterioration of memory and premature aging of the brain. By the way, salt in large quantities is considered poison.
10. The first beet sugar factory was built in the early 19th century in what is now Poland. The money for its construction was allocated by the king.
11. The highest consumption of sugar per person is recorded in Brazil.
12. There is a monument to refined sugar in the Czech Republic. It was in this country that such sugar cubes appeared in the middle of the 19th century.
13. At present almost 60 percent of all sugar is made of cane juice and the other 40 percent is made of beet.
14. Interestingly, sugar is used to make plastics and leather. It is also widely used in pharmaceuticals and in the manufacture of tobacco products.
15. Of fruits and vegetables, the most sugar is concentrated in dates. Thus, in 100 grams of such a delicacy contains almost 34 grams of such sweetener.
16. Until the late 18th century, sugar was considered a luxury, not everyone could afford it. That is why at that time this product was called "white gold".
17. The chemically produced sweetener "Lugdunam" is almost three hundred times sweeter than the usual sweetener. To make tea from such a product sweet, one small crystal is enough, while everyone's usual sugar would need about 10 grams. For comparison, with 1 kg of such a substance, an entire pool of Olympic reserve can be made sugary-sweet. The rest of the sugar substitutes were obtained at random when trying to create a cure for ulcers.
18. In the Middle Ages, granulated sugar acted as a medicine, so it was available at the pharmacy.
19. In some countries, there is a fuel for refueling cars that is made from sugar beets. Such fuel is in the form of combustible alcohol, which is not harmful to the environment.

Cane sugar photo