In this guide, we’ll explore seven remarkable health advantages of brown sugar, along with its calorie content, and re-evaluate this sweet ingredient's place in your diet.
The brown sugar, contrary to the refined one, does not go through a large number of chemical process.Therefore, customers consider it as a more natural substitute compared to the white sugar. The brown sugar is the raw, moist and dark sugar obtained after the sugar cane dehydration. Since it does not go through a refining process, it maintains the calcium and the iron, in addition to other vitamins and minerals. According to Mendonça et al. (2000).
This type of sugar is easily recognized by its color and flavor, which are similar to panela or even of the sugar cane juice. This characteristic is due to the fact that the brown sugar does not go through more elaborated processes of juice clarification.
It might sound counterintuitive, but brown sugar offers a surprising range of benefits for our health, from boosting energy levels to promoting healthy skin. This versatile ingredient could even be beneficial for weight loss! We'll explore how brown sugar can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar: Which is Healthier?
You've probably heard that brown sugar is healthier than white sugar, and there's truth to that! The difference lies in the molasses, a natural byproduct of sugarcane processing, that gives brown sugar its distinctive colour and flavour.
Unlike refined white sugar, which undergoes extensive processing that strips away nutrients, brown sugar retains a good portion of its natural goodness. This includes minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, making it a more nutrient-rich choice.
Reasons to Embrace Brown Sugar.
Digestive Health Improvement
Obtained from succulent sugarcane or beets, brown sugar retains a portion of molasses, which provides a wealth of minerals and vitamins. But the true difference lies in its ability to rejuvenate your digestive health.
A Digestive Ally: Brown sugar gently regulates digestion, helping to prevent constipation and promote a balanced gut microbiome.
Prebiotic Power: Molasses is rich in prebiotics, which act as food for beneficial bacteria in your gut. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and overall well-being.
Natural Remedy: Brown sugar can even soothe occasional stomach upset, making it a natural home remedy for digestive discomfort.
Energy Boost & Steady Releases
We all know sugar can cause wild energy swings, but brown sugar offers a gentler approach.
Lower Glycemic Index: Unlike refined white sugar, brown sugar has a lower glycemic index (65). This means it releases energy slowly and steadily, preventing those sudden highs and crashes.
Sustained Energy: Brown sugar provides a consistent energy level, keeping you feeling energized throughout the day. This can be especially beneficial for those seeking a healthy weight management strategy.
Skin Health Benefits
Brown sugar is a natural beauty secret, offering a gentle exfoliating power that leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Exfoliation: The granular texture of brown sugar gently removes dead skin cells, unclogging pores and revealing radiant skin.
Homemade Scrub: Combine brown sugar with olive oil or honey for a luxurious homemade scrub that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Brown sugar is rich in AHAs, which are known for their exfoliating properties. AHAs also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Cramp Relief: A Natural Soothing Agent
Periods can bring discomfort, but brown sugar might be a surprising ally in the battle against menstrual cramps.
Potassium Power: Brown sugar contains potassium, which is known for its pain-relieving properties and ability to ease muscle cramps.
Ginger Synergy: Combining brown sugar with ginger, a natural anti-inflammatory, can create a soothing tea that helps alleviate menstrual pain.
Mood Enhancement:
Serotonin Boost: Brown sugar may have a positive impact on serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and happiness.
Steadier Mood: Unlike refined sugar, brown sugar provides a more stable and sustained mood boost, allowing you to enjoy the sweetness without experiencing sudden mood swings.
References
Ali SE, El Gedaily RAE, Mocan A, Farag MA, El-Seedi HR. Profiling metabolites and biological activities of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum linn.) juice and its product molasses via a multiplex metabolomics approach. Molecules. 2019; 24:934. doi: 10.3390/molecules24050934. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Azlan A, Ebadi S, Yusof BNM, Othman NMH, Kannar D, Sultana S, Mahmood Z. Satiety, glycemic profiles, total antioxidant capacity, and postprandial glycemic responses to different sugars in healthy Malaysian adults. Nutrition. 2022; 97:111551. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2021.111551. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Arroyo-Quiroz C, Brunauer R, Alavez S. Sugar-sweetened beverages and cancer risk: A narrative review. Nutr Cancer. 2022; 74:3077–3095. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2069827. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Duarte-Almeida JM, Negri G, Salatino A, de Carvalho JE, Lajolo FM. Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of a tricin acylated glycoside from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) juice. 2007; 68:1165–1171. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.01.015. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma, without use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem. 1972; 18:499–502. doi: 10.1093/clinchem/18.6.499. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Comments