Brown sugar is considered a healthier option than white sugar. It is a popular natural sweetener made from sugarcane. This sugar has a brown color because of the presence of molasses as the benefits of brown sugar are connected to its molasses content. Brown sugar is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is available in both refined and unrefined forms. Brown sugar is available in four different types.
- Dark And Light Sugar
- Demerara Sugar
- Muscovado Sugar
- Turbinado Sugar
Brown Sugar Nutrition Facts
The nutrients contained in brown sugar make it a healthy option. Following is the nutrition information:
- Calories: 17
- Carbohydrate: 4.50g
- Protein: 0.005g
- Calcium: 3.80g
- Sucrose: 4.30g
- Glucose: 0.06og
- Fructose: 0.050g
- Iron: 0.030mg
- Magnesium: 0.412 mg
- Phosphorus: 0.182 mg
- Potassium: 6.10 mg
- Sodium: 1.25 mg
Benefits Of Brown Sugar
1. Boost Skin Health
Brown sugar contains nutrients such as pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and niacin. That helps to regenerate and repair skin cells. Brown sugar can be used as a skin exfoliant. As its rough texture helps eliminate dirt and clear dead skin cells, removing dirt and unclogged pores from your skin. It gives blemish-free and radiant skin.
2. Boost Energy Naturally
Brown sugar is a simple carbohydrate that breaks down into glucose. It can give temporary strength and help you recover when you feel weak. This sugar can provide you with a natural energy boost for a short period. However, an individual can add brown sugar to drinks if they feel tired and low on energy.
3. Improve Digestion
According to studies red sugar helps with common digestive problems. The richness helps in reducing anorexia, relieving pain during excretion, and controlling bloating and indigestion. If an individual is suffering from constipation drink a glass of warm water with ginger and brown sugar.
4. Support Weight Loss
Brown sugar contains fewer calories when compared to white sugar. It is rich in molasses which boosts the metabolism in the body. Brown sugar keeps you satiated and controls hunger pangs. This sugar contains micronutrients that aid in keeping the body fit. An individual can incorporate brown sugar in their diet but it should not be consumed in excess.
5. Free Of Chemicals
Brown sugar is completely free of chemicals. It is due to the molasses present in brown sugar. Which is composed of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. However, it provides your body with important minerals.
Side Effects Of Brown Sugar
- Consuming brown sugar in moderation is generally considered safe. As brown sugar can help to sweeten healthy foods you might not otherwise enjoy. But it is also true that too much sugar in the diet can eventually increase heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. So it is very much important to consume brown sugar in limited portions.
- While excessive consumption of brown sugar can even cause dental problems.
- An individual with type 2 diabetes should always keep track of their brown sugar intake to avoid spikes in their blood glucose levels.
Brown Sugar Replacements
There are many brown sugar substitutes you can use in recipes, those include dates, honey, and maple syrup.