Sweet Illusions: Why Brown Sugar Is Not Better Than White 0 23

There are many varieties of brown sugar, which differ mainly in the amount of molasses contained.

How to Distinguish Real Cane Brown Sugar from Fake?

1. Look for the word "unrefined" on the packaging; if the sugar is labeled as "refined brown," it means that it contains colorants and foreign additives.

2. The aroma of cane molasses is quite distinctive, and it is not difficult to distinguish it from the smell of burnt sugar, which is used to color fakes.

3. Natural cane brown sugar is always relatively expensive. It is more costly to produce (in particular, sugar cane must be processed within a day after it is cut), and because it is produced abroad (in Russia, it can only be packaged, and large manufacturers never hide this), transportation also incurs additional costs.

Buy sugar from manufacturers who have been in the market for a long time. They value their reputation and monitor the quality of their products.

What Is the Difference Between Brown Sugar and White Sugar?

This question causes a lot of controversy; however, from the perspective of health benefits, these two types of sugar are no different. Moreover, they have an identical chemical composition with some minimal exceptions.

The main component of both types of sugar is raw material obtained either from cane sugar or from beets. The primary processing stage of the raw material involves concentrating it to a syrup state and obtaining sweet molasses of a rich brown hue.

What we see in stores is the result of purification and processing. This process for brown sugar is less prolonged, so it retains the brown molasses that gives it its color. Additionally, it has a pleasant caramel aroma due to the exclusion of the refining process.

White sugar, on the other hand, undergoes a more extended purification process, which is why it has white crystals. Classic white sugar must be refined, as the product obtained from beets has an unpleasant specific aroma before processing.

Since brown sugar is not refined, it retains trace elements, fiber, and water. This type of product also contains more mineral components. However, in terms of calorie content, both products are at the same level, just as in terms of sucrose content — both white and brown sugar contain 99%. Therefore, it is a misconception that the brown-colored product does not cause cavities.

Impact on the Body

Despite the fact that brown sugar retains minerals, the product is not beneficial and does not have a positive effect on the body. The content of vitamins and fiber is so negligible that sugar remains an enemy if consumed in unlimited quantities.

According to WHO, the norm is to consume sucrose at a level of 5% of the daily caloric intake. This is approximately 6-8 teaspoons per day. However, one should not think that drinking tea with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar is normal.

This 5% includes all sucrose present in a person's daily diet. Such products include not only confectionery but also fruits. Sometimes sucrose is even found in baked goods.

Which Sugar Is Better to Choose

This is a personal choice for everyone. Brown attractive sugar in cubes or granulated form looks beautiful. A quality product enhances the taste of coffee, which is why the opinion has formed that noble drinks are better consumed with cane sugar.

However, all of this is common myths and misconceptions. But there is one beneficial property of brown sugar: confectionery made with natural cane sugar has a pleasant caramel aroma and an appealing appearance. In all other respects, there are no differences between the two types of sugar.

Both brown and white products negatively affect the body, particularly the pancreas. Being pure sucrose, they cause the organ to secrete too much insulin. This can lead to type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Therefore, there is no difference in which sugar to consume. The main thing is to do so in moderation to avoid harming your health.