Sugar is a natural sweetener that has been a staple element in the diet since times immemorial. In recent times, most health-conscious individuals have started to give up on white sugar and switch over to brown sugar as a healthy choice. A lot has been hyped about the adverse effects of consuming excess amounts of white sugar and all these negative impacts have made its closer associate brown sugar as a better choice and healthy.
What Is Brown Sugar?
Brown sugar is a type of sugar that holds a brown colour owing to the presence of molasses. It can be made either commercially or naturally. Most brown sugar contains about 5% of molasses by weight. It has a soft consistency and toasted flavour and tends to be sweeter than regular sugar.
Is brown sugar really a better alternative than white sugar? Read this article to know how brown sugar is processed, its health benefits and how different it is from the white version.
Processing
The first stage of manufacturing is quite similar for both brown and white sugar. The sugarcane juice is extracted, purified, and heated well to form a thick syrup called molasses that crystallizes after some point. Then the crystalized sugar is centrifuged to obtain raw sugar crystals. The final stage of processing is different for white and brown sugar, where white sugar is further processed, and the excess molasses is removed to make small crystals. Later it’s run through a filtration machine that’s made with bone char to form white sugar. While for making brown sugar, varying amounts of molasses is added to the refined white sugar. Whole unrefined brown sugar goes through minimal processing than white sugar, thereby letting it retain some amount of molasses and natural colour
Also Read: 7 Amazing Benefits of Sugarcane Juice-A Sweet Deal to Good Health
Nutritional Value
The fact is most brown sugar is a blend of white sugar and molasses, which is responsible for its slightly higher nutritional content and darker colour. The key nutritional difference between the two is that brown sugar has some trace amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and potassium that is devoid of white sugar. Also, brown sugar also contains fewer calories than white, however, the difference is minimal. A teaspoon of brown sugar offers 15 calories, while the same amount of white sugar provides 16.3 calories.
Flavour And Colour Profiles
The primary differences between white and brown sugar are their taste and colour. Using brown sugar instead of white sugar in cuisines will affect the colour of the foods, rendering a light caramel or brown hue. In contrast baking with white sugar will give a light-coloured final product.
Brown and white sugar are known to have a distinct flavour profile. Brown sugar has an intense, caramel or toffee-like taste owing to the presence of ample amounts of molasses. Thus, it is a preferred choice of sweetener while baking cakes, cookies, and dry fruit cakes.
While white sugar is much sweeter, and you can use a minimal amount to attain the required taste. Furthermore, its’ neutral taste makes it a versatile element in baking sponge cakes, pastries, and candies.
Also Read: Molasses - A Sweetener That Is Much Healthier Than Sugar
Brown Sugar Health Benefits
Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Brown sugar has been largely used in traditional medicine to ease menstrual discomfort. The richness of potassium in brown sugar helps to combat muscle cramps. All you have to do is have a refreshing tea made with brown sugar and ginger to alleviate abdominal cramps and soothe the pain.
Boosts Skin Health
Brown sugar is imbued with skin-friendly nutrients such as vitamin B6, niacin, and pantothenic acid that helps to rejuvenate and repair skin cells. Brown sugar scrubs work well to clear dead skin cells, grime and unclog pores thereby making the skin blemish-free and glowing.
Supports Weight Loss
If you're trying to shed surplus kilos, then you should keep a check on calories. Brown sugar is low in calories is known to trigger the metabolism, keep you satiated and control hunger pangs which could help in weight loss efforts.
Promotes Digestion
Brown sugar supports aid common digestive issues. The richness of molasses helps to control flatulence and indigestion. Furthermore, if you are constipated drinking a glass of warm water with ginger and brown sugar support to regularise bowel movements.
Treats Asthma
Potent anti-allergic effects of brown sugar may help to suppress the symptoms associated with asthma. Mix brown sugar in warm water and drink this daily to improve your respiratory health.
Enhances Energy Levels
Brown sugar contains essential components, which are potent energy boosters. Like any simple carbohydrate, brown sugar provides an energizing effect on the body. This makes it a healthier addition to your morning coffee or tea
Aids During And Post-Pregnancy
Brown Sugar is rich in minerals like iron and calcium. This is the reason brown sugar, specifically organic, has been linked to helping speed recovery after delivery, with some additional benefits of relieving cramps and discomfort during pregnancy.
Help Improve Skin Health
Utilizing brown sugar as a skin exfoliant is an amazing way to use this sugar. Unlike white sugar it has a rough texture which certainly makes it ideal for eliminating grime, dirt, and dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin keeping it visibly clean.
Brown sugar Vs Jaggery
Process
The most prominent difference between brown sugar and jaggery is the way these natural sweeteners are processed. Brown sugar is made by blending refined sugar with a controlled amount of molasses. Brown sugar offers a toffee-like flavour and colour.
On the other hand, jaggery is made using sugarcane juice or palm sap, where the juice is reduced to a thick brown paste before setting in moulds to harden. The key flavours of jaggery are fruity, earthy, and caramel.
Also Read: Is Jaggery Healthier Than Sugar?
Nutritional Value
Both sugars have almost the same calorie values, but jaggery has a notable amount of iron and other vital minerals. While brown sugar has a minimal amount of certain minerals like calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium and vitamins such as B6 and pantothenic acid. Thus, making it nutritious than refined white sugar.
Sweetness
Jaggery is relatively less sweet than brown sugar, as it is loaded with minerals, and its taste is slightly different from brown sugar. Therefore, you need to add more jaggery to attain the same level of sweetness.
Is Brown Sugar Better Than White Sugar?
Well, whether you prefer brown over white sugar goes down to individual preference, as taste and colour are the major difference between the two. Though brown sugar contains more minerals than white ones, the amount of these minerals is so minimal that they won’t offer any remarkable wellness incentives.
Remember, sugar is believed to be one of the contributing factors for obesity epidemic and the main cause of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. For health reasons, it’s recommended not to take more than 5-10% of daily calories from added sugar. Moreover, this should be limited even more for overall well-being.
Moderation is the key mantra for good health status; thus, all types of sugar should be used in a minimal amount in a healthy meal plan.
Is Brown Sugar Same As Cane Sugar?
Cane sugar is obtained from cane juice which undergoes boiling and filtration process, but still, retain its natural moisture and molasses and in its rawest form and is considered organic. While brown sugar goes through the same method, the difference is it’s being refined after filtration until it crystallizes and has a little amount of molasses rendering brown colour.
Cane sugar has a mild floral or fruity aroma owing to the presence of minerals and molasses. On the other hand, light brown sugar has a more toffee-like taste, it’s mild and dark brown sugar is more caramel-like with a rich molasses flavour.
Culinary Purposes
White and brown sugar can be used in a spectrum of cooking and baking delights in varied ways. At times they are interchangeable, doing so may alter the colour, flavour, and texture of the product. The molasses in brown sugar holds the moisture, so using it while baking goods to get a much softer yet denser final product.
When white sugar is used for baking cookies it will rise to a greater extent, letting more air into the dough and resulting in a fluffier texture. Thus, white sugar is generally used in baking a wide range of baked stuff that need proper rising, like meringues, mousses, souffles and many more. While brown sugar is used for baking dense baked products such as bread and rich cookies.
Recipe
Brown sugar is used widely in desserts and baked products that offer a unique flavour and taste. It is used as an alternative to maple syrup in many dishes as well. Brown sugar caramelizes much better than white sugar and therefore it is preferred over the white version.
Coconut Cake
A delectable and irresistible cake with a rich aroma of brown sugar, the creamy texture of coconut and the intense flavour of cocoa is a perfect accompaniment to tea.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups refined flour
¾ tsp baking powder
¾ cup melted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup condensed milk
¾ cup milk
½ cup desiccated coconut
1 tsp vanilla essence
Method:
Sieve the flour with baking powder and keep it aside
In a bowl add butter and brown sugar, blend it well until light and fluffy.
Add the condensed milk and mix well.
Then add the milk, coconut, cocoa powder, and vanilla essence and give a nice stir.
Now add the flour mixture and fold in gently.
Pour into a greased cake tin and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180* C for 25-30 minutes, until the cake is golden brown in colour, or a knife inserted in the cake comes out clean.
Serve with hot tea.
Nutritional Fact
Brown sugar being low on calories and with fair amounts of minerals and vitamins supports boost metabolism, improve the digestion process, and sustain energy levels. Coconut with ample amounts of healthy fats augments heart health and skin health. Cocoa powder laden with antioxidants and essential nutrients optimises overall health and well-being.
Side Effects
Brown sugar when consumed in limited quantity is safe and well-tolerated by most healthy adults. However, if consumed in large amounts may increase the risk of weight gain, yeast infections and diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Healthier: Brown Sugar Or White Sugar?
Brown sugar and white sugar are very similar in terms of calories and carbohydrate content. Brown sugar contains a small amount of molasses, giving it a slightly higher mineral content (like calcium and potassium), but the difference is minimal. Neither is significantly healthier than the other.
What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Brown Sugar?
Excessive brown sugar consumption may lead to:
- Weight gain
- Tooth decay
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Even though it contains trace minerals, the negative effects of overconsumption outweigh any benefits.
Which Sugar Is Better For Health?
If you are choosing between white sugar, brown sugar, jaggery, and honey, here's a quick comparison:
Honey and jaggery have slightly more nutrients and antioxidants.
But all forms are still added sugars and should be used in moderation.
So, none are truly healthy, but natural alternatives like honey or jaggery may offer slight benefits when used mindfully.
Is Brown Sugar Good For Daily Use?
Brown sugar is okay in small amounts, but daily use should be limited. It's still a form of refined sugar and can contribute to health problems if overused.
Who Should Not Eat Brown Sugar?
- Diabetics or pre-diabetics
- Obese people and those with insulin resistance
- Those managing inflammatory conditions or trying to reduce sugar intake
How Many Spoons Of Brown Sugar Per Day?
Health experts recommend:
Men: Up to 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of added sugar per day
Women: Up to 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day
This includes all sources of added sugar (tea, desserts, packaged foods, etc.), not just brown sugar.
What Is Brown Sugar Called In India?
In India, brown sugar is often called "Shakkar" or simply "Brown sugar" in urban areas. However, "Gur" or "Gud" refers to jaggery, which is not the same.
Is honey healthier than brown sugar?
Yes, honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also has a lower glycaemic index than sugar, meaning it may not spike blood sugar as quickly. But it’s still high in calories and natural sugar, so moderation is key.
What Is Jaggery Called In English?
Jaggery is called “unrefined sugar” or simply “jaggery” in English. It’s also known as palm sugar or raw cane sugar, depending on its source.
Conclusion:
Brown sugar is one of the common varieties of sugar, they are processed differently resulting in unique taste, colour and offer varied culinary uses. Brown sugar contains slightly more minerals than white sugar, thus may be beneficial for health when taken in moderate amounts.
References:
https://www.jomes.org/journal/list.html?pn=search&all_k=brown+sugar
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
