If you actively follow research in the field of proper nutrition, then inevitably you will come across information about the dangers of refined sugar. In the wake of criticism of this well-known product, brown sugar, which is credited with truly miraculous properties, came to the fore a few years ago.

Many manufacturers claim that unprocessed brown sugar is rich in vitamins. In addition, it is believed that it is absorbed more slowly and does not contribute to excess weight gain. Agree that sounds wonderful. Add brown sugar instead of white sugar to your favorite desserts, and you will not face weight gain.

But you should not unconditionally trust the information of manufacturers, because their main goal is to sell a more expensive product, which is brown sugar. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the basic facts regarding this controversial product, and draw your own conclusions about the appropriateness of its use in the daily diet.

What is brown sugar made from?

The difference between the white sugar we're all used to and brown sugar isn't just about color. Much of the sugar on sale in stores is made from sugar beet or sugar cane. The production of brown sugar is more complicated.

Brown sugar can only be cane sugar. This is due to the technology of its purification. The fact is that when incompletely processed, beet sugar has an unpleasant taste and an even more unpleasant smell, so hardly anyone wants to add it to tea.

While cane sugar, even if not refined, has a characteristic sweet taste and a highly recognizable molasses scent. But brown sugar is due to molasses, which remains on the surface of the crystals.

Brown sugar is healthier than white

The answer to this statement is fairly obvious. Brown sugar is actually healthier, but not at all because of its special properties or low calorie content. The law applies here, which is typical for other products with different degrees of processing.

The less processed the food, the more vitamins it retains, and unprocessed sugar is no exception. However, one should not hope that the usual sugar rate for most people will replenish the daily supply of vitamins and minerals. Here, it is better to bet on an extra portion of fruit or berries.

Brown sugar is lower in calories

The information that brown sugar is lower in calories is unfortunately a myth. This is the same simple carbohydrate, the calorie content of which is about 400 kilocalories per 100 grams of product.

The insulin release process that is triggered by eating brown sugar is the same as when using white sugar. This means that by switching to brown sugar in the hope of losing weight, you will gain weight just as easily as before.

Real brown sugar is hard to buy

If you have ever tried real brown sugar, you are unlikely to confuse it with a burnt fake. Well, for those who are just discovering this product, we have prepared some tips to help you buy high-quality brown sugar, and not tinted refined sugar.

First of all, give preference to trusted manufacturers who have been on the market for a long time and have managed to gain a good reputation for themselves. In addition, when deciding to switch to this type of sugar, do not save. Brown sugar is more expensive to produce, and therefore the final price paid by the consumer is higher than buying white sugar.

Brown sugar does not color water

For a long time, plain water has been used to identify fake brown sugar. It was believed that if it changed color, it means that the sugar was artificially tinted. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and it is impossible to identify a fake in this way.

We have already mentioned that the upper layers of brown sugar crystals contain molasses, which quickly dissolves in water and, like any dye, also quite easily, turns it into a dark color. That is why this test is not reliable and, when buying brown sugar, we can only believe the label "unrefined", focus on the price of the product and the company's reputation.

But let's give you a little hint: brown sugar is not produced in Russia, although it is sometimes packaged. So pay close attention to this point when choosing brown sugar.

Brown sugar has long been in high demand among health conscious people. What is the secret of this product, how does it differ from all the usual white sugar, and what benefits does its use promise to the body? Let's figure it out.

Brown sugar - what is it?

Brown sugar is a processed sugar cane product that retains the color and taste of the molasses included in cane juice. A distinctive feature of brown sugar is that it does not undergo bleaching during the production process.

A bit of history

In ancient times, brown sugar crystals from cane were the first sugar that people began to use in their diet. The first mentions of this wonderful plant date back to the times of Alexander the Great. The homeland of cane sugar is considered to be India, from which this product spread throughout Europe. In the 16th century, cane brown sugar was a symbol of luxury and wealth. This product, which became the cause of the wars of conquest, was an integral guest of the royal table. In modern times, brown sugar is not something unusual and outlandish, because everyone can afford it.

White and brown sugar: what are the differences?

Brown sugar has a number of undeniable advantages over its white counterpart. White sugar is a refined product obtained from the chemical processing of brown sugar. To obtain it, various bleaching agents are used, some of which, "settling" in white sugar, penetrate the human body with it. Brown sugar, the recipe for which does not provide for this kind of cleaning, is more natural and environmentally friendly.

The brown color of sugar is associated with the presence in its composition of components such as molasses or molasses, which have a lot of useful minerals. That is why brown cane sugar is significantly ahead of white sugar in terms of biological value.

Brown sugar: benefits and chemical composition of the product

85-98% of cane sugar, depending on the country of origin, consists of sucrose. In addition, the constituent components of this product are a number of trace elements useful for the human body.

So, potassium, which is part of brown sugar, helps cleanse the intestines, removes accumulated toxins, regulates blood pressure and is an active participant in the metabolism of fats and proteins. Without this mineral, normal heart function is impossible.

As you know, calcium, which is also present in unrefined cane sugar, is responsible for the condition of teeth and bones, contributes to their strengthening. It is also of great importance for the full functioning of the nervous system and the blood coagulation system.

Zinc is called upon to normalize fat metabolism. In addition, this mineral, which is an integral component of brown sugar, takes part in the processes of hematopoiesis, promotes the growth of skin and hair cells, and is also necessary for wound healing.

Copper is called to improve the activity of the immune system, to activate the body's defenses, and magnesium to accelerate the course of metabolism and prevent the process of stone formation. Phosphorus, which is also rich in brown sugar, is essential for the normal functioning of the heart muscle and brain. He also participates in metabolic processes, being an integral component of cells and, first of all, cell membranes.

Iron, which is also found in cane sugar, is essential for the circulatory system to function. By the way, in brown sugar, in comparison with white, refined, the concentration of iron is almost 10 times higher.

Thus, brown sugar, the benefits of which are undeniable, must necessarily be included in the diet of every person who is not indifferent to their health.

Scope of application

Cane brown sugar belongs to complex, complex carbohydrates, therefore, the process of its assimilation by the body takes place at a slow pace. For this reason, such sugar will benefit all those who are struggling with extra pounds. Moreover, according to modern nutritionists, this product can be safely used on salt-free, low-fat, and protein-free diets, but this must be done in moderation. So, without harm to the diet, you can consume about 50 grams per day. brown sugar.

Also, unrefined cane sweetness is widely used for recovery after exercise, in a healthy diet. Due to the mass of its useful properties and high quality, this product is an irreplaceable element of baby food, and should also be included in the diet of people prone to allergic reactions.

Brown sugar is used as an additive to hot drinks. So, it will not only add sweetness to tea or coffee, but also give them an incomparable aroma. Also, cane sugar is added to canned food, marinades, baked goods, desserts, sweets, ice cream.

Calorie content

Cane brown sugar has about the same calorie content as its white beet sugar counterpart. If the modest measure of its consumption is not followed, this product is also able to quickly go into body fat.

So, if the calorie content is 100 gr. white refined sugar is 387 kcal, then unrefined brown sweetness - 377 kcal. As you can see, the difference is insignificant. However, if you wish, you can find brown cane sugar on sale, the calorie content of which is 200 times less. A similar effect is achieved by adding aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener, to the product.

Caution, fake!

Unfortunately, in modern times, there is a high probability when buying cane sugar you will encounter a fake. There are two ways to recognize a low-quality product, but, unfortunately, this can be done exclusively at home.

So, method number 1. To carry it out, you will need a bottle of iodine. Brown sugar should be diluted in a glass of water and a couple of drops of iodine should be dripped into it. Real brown cane sweetness, reacted with iodine, takes on a blue tint. If this did not happen, then this is not a real product, but a fake.

Method number 2. For the second experiment, as in the first case, it is necessary to dissolve cane sugar in warm water. If it is quality sugar, then the water will remain colorless. If you have ordinary caramel on your hands, then the liquid will turn brown.

Brown sugar "Mistral" is in special demand among consumers. This brand has established itself exclusively on the positive side, since the goods produced under its brand are always distinguished by their high quality.

Alternative to brown sugar

Many people strive to completely eliminate high-calorie sweets from their diet. In this regard, the question of how to replace brown sugar is very relevant. There are several options here.

• fresh sugarcane juice, which contains brown unrefined sugar, however, in an organic, absolutely safe form;
• natural honey;
• vegetables and fruits, which contain a high level of glucose (apples, apricots, bananas);
• dried fruits (raisins, banana chips).

Thus, brown cane sugar is a very useful product, the use of which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all organs and systems of the body.

Nutritionists are constantly talking about the dangers of refined sugar. At the same time, advocates of healthy eating are actively promoting the benefits of brown sugar. But after all, both types of free-flowing sweetness are a storehouse of pure carbohydrates, and at first glance they differ only in color. So is it worth giving up the usual and switching entirely to brown sugar, can there be any benefit or harm from this product? Few people know for certain about the properties of dark granulated sugar, although it is quite common in stores today.

What's the difference between brown sugar and regular sugar?

In addition to color, there are still plenty of differences between the usual snow-white granulated sugar and its brown counterpart:

1. Raw materials and method of production: ordinary sugar is produced from sugar beet by evaporation and crystallization, brown sugar is produced from sugar cane by boiling.
2. Composition: there is no molasses in white, in brown it can make up a fairly significant part of the bulk of the product.
3. Country of origin: common comes to stores most often from local processing plants, brown is imported from Brazil, Guatemala, Cuba, etc.
4. Taste: regular sugar has a neutral, rich sweet taste; brown sugar can have a fruity, caramel, and even creamy flavor.

One of the main differences is the price. Regular white sugar costs three to four times less than brown sugar. Therefore, before choosing a more expensive exotic analogue in a store, you should find out in more detail which sugar is healthier than white or brown. Maybe their difference in useful properties is not so great, and you shouldn't overpay just for color?

Why is brown sugar good for you?

Brown sugar is less processed, so it retains more nutrients that were present in the raw materials. The benefit of brown sugar lies in the fact that it contains many trace elements: potassium, inca, sodium, phosphorus, which are almost absent in ordinary sugar. Cane sweetness may well replace the extremely healthy honey if a person is allergic to it. But besides the benefits, brown sugar also has harm. It is a high-calorie food and it is absorbed very quickly. Therefore, obesity can be provoked with the same degree of probability as the white counterpart. Although calories in one hundred grams, it still contains a little less - 377 kcal, and in ordinary sugar - 347 kcal.

Among other joys, sugar will take a special place in our life. We put a little sugar in tea, therefore we do not think about its dangers, completely forgetting that we will get an additional portion of fructose and sucrose from jams, sweets or sugary juices and drinks, and even from fruits.

In addition, sugar is found in all marinades, canned meat and fish, it is used to enhance the taste of products.

But the negative effect of sugar on our body has been known for a long time, the abuse of sweets will lead to violations of the lipid barrier, to the development of atherosclerosis, and the fact that sweets are deposited in the waist and hips in the form of unpleasant cellulite, probably, can not be mentioned. The daily dose of sugar for women will be no more than 50 g, and for men - no more than 60 g. Today, brown sugar is in special demand, which, although more expensive than ordinary refined beet sugar, has a number of advantages.

So what's the difference between brown sugar and white sugar? Brown sugar, also called cane sugar, since it is made from cane, does not differ at all from the usual white sugar in calorie content and the content of carbohydrates and fats, and, accordingly, has the same adverse effect on the body, harming our figure. Why is brown sugar good for you? It contains B vitamins and a large amount of trace elements (magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, potassium), while white sugar contains potassium, calcium and iron.

Due to its taste, cane sugar has earned special recognition; in European countries it is considered a top-class product. Molasses (special syrup), which is contained in brown sugar, makes the taste special, soft and rich, as a result of which the taste of tea and all dishes prepared using this product improves.

It is worth recalling that unrefined brown sugar is used in food, since in a refined form it is rather unsightly in appearance and has an unpleasant aroma. Given this peculiarity, producers simply stopped refining cane sugar. If you come across brown refined sugar somewhere, do not rush to purchase it, as this is an exclusively artificial product filled with flavoring colors and additives.

There are several types of cane sugar:

- soft molasses sugar - dark in color with enhanced taste and smell,

- black barbados - slightly moist with a rich aroma,

- muscovado- dark in color, with a caramel taste and smell,

- turbinado- sugar brown gold, produced by evaporation,

- demerara- this sugar is golden brown in color with a pleasant smell.

The latter variety can often be found in our stores, but you need to buy very carefully, since there is unrefined cane sugar (brown) demerara and refined white sugar that is mixed with molasses, so you need to know what is the difference between brown sugar and white sugar. Be sure to read on the package, it should indicate what it contains.

When choosing sugar in a store, do not forget that during the cleaning process a certain part of harmful substances is removed from it. This is the additional beneficial properties of brown sugar.

White sugar has always been called the white death, and brown sugar has been extolled as healthy. Is there really a difference between them?

Who started

Brown sugar was "discovered" in ancient India more than two thousand years ago, accidentally discovering that the juice of one of the wildly growing canes is sweet. People considered it a gift from the gods, and there is a mention of it even in the ancient Indian text of the Ramayana.
White sugar was given to the whole world by Napoleon. He was needed as one of the symbols of French independence. At the time, the "sugar business" was a British monopoly because India was its colony. Sugar prices were even higher than spices.
The poor could only eat the remnants of the sugar syrup that they brought for processing - they scraped it off the bottom of the ships. Napoleon was irritated by this state of affairs. And he found a way out.
Before the emperor, no one believed in the ideas of the German scientist Andreas Margraf. Meanwhile, he discovered a plant that can grow in countries with temperate climates and does not require a lot of costs - beets. Napoleon appreciated the idea and built sugar beet factories all over the country.

What sugar was eaten in Russia 200 years ago

Until the 19th century, there was "imported" cane sugar in Russia. It appeared in the 12th century and, like in France, was on the tables only among the wealthy segments of the population. In the 17th century, Peter I even founded the "sugar department" - the sugar chamber. But a bite of sugar tea in Russia could afford to drink everything only since 1802 - it was then that the first beet sugar factory started working.

As advertised

Russian entrepreneurs promoted the newly appeared white sugar as best they could. They packaged it differently than today, but in the form of a "sugar loaf" - it is easy to imagine by analogy with a "cheese head", the weight reached 15 kg. These giant "heads" were placed in the decorations in the shop windows to attract the attention of buyers. One such head was even exhibited at the 1870 Manufacturing Exhibition in St. Petersburg.
In contrast, European businessmen have created a cult following around brown sugar. They launched a whole line of accessories: sugar bowls, tongs, graceful stirring spoons. All this was considered a luxury, attributes of a beautiful life.

Is there a difference in composition

Cane sugar is not refined. It itself has a pleasant taste and caramel smell.
Beetroot must be refined, because without processing both the taste and smell are repulsive.
The main difference between cane sugar and white sugar is that it retains fiber, since it is not refined.
In addition, trace elements are retained in cane sugar. According to the US national food database (it stores data on the composition and energy value of almost all existing foods), cane sugar contains more potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. That is, more minerals. It also stores vitamins.

Which is sweeter

We used to think of cane sugar as more natural and therefore less sweet. But this is a misconception. Both white sugar and brown sugar contain the same amount of sucrose - 99.75%. That is, both sugar is pure sucrose.

How White and Brown Sugar Affect the Body

Do not be fooled by the fact that cane sugar retains fiber, minerals and vitamins. There aren't many of them out there to make brown sugar harmless and healthy.
The World Health Organization recommends sugar consumption at less than 5% of calories consumed. This is equivalent to about 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of sugar per day for an adult with a normal body mass index.
That is, 5% is generally all the sugar that we eat: not only sweets, but also fruits and juices. Sugar is often hidden in finished foods, such as ketchup and even bread.
With as little sugar as the WHO recommends, the presence of minerals and fiber in brown sugar will not play any role; it is much better to get it from vegetables.
Brown and white sugar are equal in amount of sucrose. This means that they equally "kill" the pancreas.

Why is brown sugar so expensive?

Its price in Russia is due to the fact that reeds simply do not grow here. The price tag directly depends on the transportation costs. But we also have such an interesting phenomenon as the PR of brown sugar. It is presented as a kind of "curiosity" - supposedly it costs so much, because there is very little of it in the world and it is mined by hand.
In fact, the production of white and brown sugar is almost the same. 60% of the world's sugar is cane sugar, 40% is beet sugar. Reed is obtained mainly in Brazil, India, Thailand, China. White - in the USA, Russia, EU.
In some countries, cane sugar is actually "mined" by hand - using machete knives. But this does not affect the prices of the final product: “live” labor is used because labor is cheap in these countries, and it is easier for businesses to pay for the work of people than for the maintenance of factories.

Brown sugar is not always cane sugar

Often in stores, under the guise of "the same" unrefined cane sugar, white refined sugar, colored with molasses or refined cane sugar is sold. Therefore, it is imperative to look for “unrefined cane sugar” on the packaging, and not just “brown”, “dark” and so on.

Outcome

For the body, there is no difference between cane sugar and white sugar. Both the one and the other have a bad effect on the pancreas, because they force it to secrete a lot of the hormone insulin to process the "sweet". Consuming any sugar in quantities greater than what doctors recommend can result in metabolic disorders and diabetes.
Alas, we are earthly people, and we will hardly be able to cope with our "lust". Anyone who eats sugar will still do it. White or brown is a matter of taste and money.