When it comes to healthy sweeteners, all of us wish to opt for the one that is best for our health. If you have switched from white sugar to brown sugar, thinking it is better for your health, then you need to read this article. Is brown sugar really better than white sugar or is it just a marketing gimmick? Read on to know how brown sugar is made and how different it is from the white version.
How is brown sugar made?
The process of making brown sugar is exactly similar to that of white sugar. So, the myth that brown sugar is better than white one is actually false. Brown sugar is made by mixing refined sugar crystals with sugarcane molasses. 95% refined sugar is mixed with 5% molasses. The sugarcane molasses gives the sugar its distinct brown colour and softness.
Brown sugar vs white sugar
When it comes to calorie comparison, brown sugar has only 0.25 fewer calories than white sugar. In simple terms, brown sugar is just white sugar coated with molasses syrup. Even though brown sugar contains more minerals than white sugar, the amount of these minerals is so low that you won’t get any health benefits from it. Due to the presence of molasses in brown sugar, it retains some moisture and is best suited to baked desserts which have a soft texture.
Healthy sweeteners
If you are planning to eliminate sugar from your diet then there are a number of healthy substitutes available in the market. You can opt for stevia or coconut sugar, which are similar in taste and appearance. Maple syrup, honey and agave nectar are some of the options that can replace sugar in your diet. The best option to pick when switching from white sugar is shakkar. Shakkar is unprocessed and rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron. You can also use jaggery to sweeten up your desserts or beverages.
Conclusion
If consumed in large quantities, no sweetener can be termed as healthy or better. So, the key lies in moderation. Even if you consume white or brown sugar, it is better to use them mindfully. Excess of any sweetener, be it honey, jaggery, shakkar or maple syrup can be harmful to your body. As long as your consumption remains moderate, you are good to go with a sweetener of your choice.
