What is useful for cane (brown) sugar — 3 properties

Cane (brown) sugar is increasingly found on store shelves.  It is not completely purified and contains residues of vitamins, minerals and fiber. That is why it is considered a healthier alternative to the usual white sugar.

To date, science has even been able to identify a number of beneficial properties of cane sugar.

What is cane sugar?

Cane sugar is made from cane, which has been cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries for many years. The manufacturing process is quite complex and consists of the following stages:

• Harvesting and crushing of cane stalks;
• Grinding of raw materials and mixing with water;
• Juice purification with slaked lime;
• Evaporation of raw materials and removal of liquid in a vacuum apparatus.

After a series of technological processes, the precipitation of sucrose crystals with a sticky brown coating is observed. Thus, brown (unrefined) cane sugar is obtained, it contains vitamins and minerals, some volume fiber .

If brown sugar is bleached (under the action of carbonic acid or sulfur dioxide), you will get white sugar, which is pure simple carbohydrates. There is no use in it.

Brown cane sugar is considered more useful due to its special vitamin and mineral composition, the presence of a small number of proteins and fats (up to 1% by weight).

It is also important to note that cane sugar, compared with its main competitor, beetroot, contains more fructose, which makes it a little healthier.

3 useful properties

Cane sugar has a fairly high caloric content (377 calories per 100 grams), contains vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9) and minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc). It is significantly superior to white sugar in terms of the abundance of biologically active substances.

Let's look at a few facts about the benefits of taking cane sugar (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Keeps bones strong

Osteoporosis or a decrease in bone mineral strength is a frequent companion of people of older age groups, as well as women after menopause.

With this disease, there is a decrease in the amount of minerals in the bones, they become more fragile, and the risk of accidental fractures increases.

As already mentioned, phosphorus and calcium are present in the composition of cane sugar. These are the mineral components needed to normalize metabolic processes and Maintaining bone strength .

It is recommended that all people over 50-60 closely monitor their calcium intake.

2. Improves brain function

British researchers discovered that regular intake of B vitamins, which are part of brown sugar, allows Improve cognitive functions of the brain (memory, thinking, attention), as well as reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (for example, Alzheimer's disease).

The product is especially useful during periods of active mental and physical activity, as it has a positive effect on learning ability and maintaining attention acuity .

3. Fights anemia

Anemia is a common disease associated in 99% of cases with iron deficiency in the body due to various causes (improper eating behavior, acute and chronic blood loss, severe somatic pathologies).

With such a deviation, the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood decreases.

Cane sugar contains iron, which necessary for Hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cells.

Harm and contraindications

Brown (unrefined) sugar causes less harm to human health than white (beetroot) sugar. However, even in this case, it is not the product itself that is dangerous, but exceeding the norm of its use.

According to dietary recommendations, daily allowance of simple sugars for adults – 50 grams.

According to the Association of Cardiologists (USA), this indicator is :

• For women – 25 grams (3-4 teaspoons);
• For men – 37.5 grams (5 teaspoons).

Despite all the simplicity, about three quarters of the world's population should not be these tips.

With excessive intake of any sugar, including brown, the following complications may develop:

1. Obesity. Sugar causes the formation of fat depots, mainly in the abdominal area, is the most dangerous.
2. Reduced glucose tolerance . Sugar causes spikes in blood glucose levels after ingestion. When exceeding the norm, such jumps become frequent, which reduces the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to the hormone insulin. In this scenario, sugar cannot be utilized by cells and is constantly in high concentration in the blood. And so is being formed type II diabetes mellitus.
3. Skin aging . Simple carbohydrates cause early aging and raise the risk of acne.
4. Change brain work . Small amounts of sugar, due to the presence of B vitamins, stimulating functional activity of the brain. Taking simple carbohydrates in large amounts can cause depression, cognitive impairment and contribute to the early onset of dementia.
5. The appearance of malignant tumors . Currently, a link has been established between the abundance of sugar in the diet and cancer of the following organs: of the esophagus , pleura, small intestine, endometrium .
6. Deterioration of dental health . Sugar is food for a mass of microorganisms that destroy tooth enamel.

Brown cane sugar can be eaten by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while even exceeding the daily norm by 25-30% is acceptable.

Tips for safe reception

Consider the key factors of proper intake of cane sugar without harm to health:

1. Replacing any white sugar with brown. If it is impossible to give up simple carbohydrates, it is recommended to give preference to those that are healthier.
2. Careful rationing of consumption . Women should not take more than 25 grams per day, and men should not take 37.5 grams. It is also necessary to take into account that the surrounding products (carbonated drinks, juices, chocolate bars, etc.) are saturated with added sugar.
3. Distribution throughout the day . Simple carbohydrates cannot be consumed at the same time, it is better to do it in small portions (0.5-1 tsp) several times a day.

It is also important to monitor your own self-control, not to overeat simple carbohydrates. In order to limit (suppress) cravings for sweets, it is recommended:

• Use natural useful sweeteners (for example, stevia);
• Increase the proportion of whole fruits and vegetables in the diet;
• Eat more often (4-6 times a day);
• Use spices and products with a bright taste (ginger, lemon), as they reduce cravings for sweets;
• Drink enough liquid (at least 2.5-3 liters per day).

Conclusion

1. Cane sugar is one of the most common types of sugar in the world. However, only brown cane sugar is useful, which has not undergone the bleaching procedure with sulfur dioxide or carbonic acid.
2. With normalized consumption, it can improve brain health, prevent the development of anemia and strengthen bones.
3. With irrational intake, the likelihood of developing type II diabetes mellitus, obesity, malignant tumors, depression and dementia, caries and many other disorders increases.