Which one is the best type of sugar?
- Nina James
- Aug 6, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 18, 2021
Sugar is a food produced from the processing of sugar cane (or beetroot, and more recently, other vegetables). The different types found in the supermarket have different degrees of processing and refining. The general rule is: "The darker the sugar, the more vitamins and minerals it contains and therefore this is the healthier". Likewise, the whiter, the more the sugar received chemical additives in the last manufacturing process, which is the refinement.
And what's the difference between them? - Brown sugar is the crudest form of sugarcane extraction, removed after the cane has been cooked. As it is not refined, it has a full-bodied flavor and dark color. It contains minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium, and some vitamins. - Crystal sugar and demerara come from the concentration of clarified sugarcane juice. The clarification process consists of using chemical additives to obtain a clear, shiny and transparent broth. When clarification is done by simple liming (only addition of whitewash), demerara sugar (with regular particles and yellowish color) is obtained. On the other hand, if, in addition to liming, sulfitation (addition of sulfur) is carried out, crystal sugar is obtained (transparent and with a high gloss). Basically, these processes are carried out to remove pigments, proteins, carbohydrates and other substances that make the broth opaque, dark and viscous. After clarification, the sedimentation, filtration and removal of residues occur. The broth is then evaporated and a solid sugar is obtained. Demerara sugar also has a high nutritional value, similar to brown sugar. The crystal loses 90% of minerals and vitamins, compared to brown. - Refined sugar is the one best known and most used. During the refining process, some chemical additives, such as sulfur, are added to give the white color. In this process, however, most vitamins and minerals are lost.
- Coconut sugar is a substitute for cane sugar and is extracted from the nectar of coconut flowers, it does not undergo refinement and does not receive preservatives. It has potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron and is a natural source of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. It also has a lower glycemic index as it is more slowly digested.
- Light sugar, also known as fit or lean, is a mixture of regular refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is less caloric than sugar but contains no nutrients and cannot be considered healthy and should still be consumed with caution.
Most of the composition of sugars is sucrose, which gives food a sweet taste. Most processed sugars have a higher degree of purity and therefore their sweetening power is greater. The flavors of brown sugar and demerara are a sensory limitation, from the consumer's point of view, as they significantly alter the flavor of prepared foods. Remembering that all types of sugars are very caloric, have the power to increase blood glucose very quickly and should be consumed in moderation. Diabetics should not consume any type of sugar unless directed by their doctor or nutritionist.
And like everything else in life, the key is moderation. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to the development of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases, especially in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.
✔Important: The additives used in clarification are removed and the presence of some residues is evaluated and limited by legislation so that it is a safe food. So! Did you know about these differences? Have you ever heard about the steps in sugar processing? Do you have any questions? What sugar do you consume? Comment here on the Blog!
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