While you all perhaps share a rather magnetic relationship with desserts and shakes, sugar is a harmful thing that breaks down your body in more ways than one.  The toxic reality about sugar is that it makes our bodies vulnerable to numerous other diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity and heart problems. Thus, brown sugar or white, excessive consumption of either could be hazardous to your health.

This article by dietician Avni Kaul will reflect upon the process of producing brown and white sugar, learn the nutritional value and properties, and discuss the health benefits, risks and alternatives. Thus, assist you to make a healthier choice between the two. So, prior to digging deep, let us know about its procedure of production.

The procedure 

The initial manufacturing procedure is similar for both brown and white sugar. The sugarcane is initially juiced and then boiled to develop a thick syrup called molasses that then crystallizes. Next, the raw sugar crystals are created when the crystallized sugar is centrifuged. The last step of manufacturing is different for brown and white sugar. Then, it is processed further and the extra molasses is removed to form smaller crystals for producing white sugar. While for brown sugar, it is manufactured by adding varying amounts of molasses to the refined white sugar.

Calorie

It will be a shock to you if you think brown sugar is healthier compared to white sugar. But, they both have the almost similar calorie content. Brown Sugar has only 0.25 fewer calories than its counterpart, which is negligible. For example, 1 teaspoon (5gm) of both brown sugar and white sugar will contain 20 calories. Nutritional valueBrown sugar is equally high in carbohydrates. However, unlike white sugar, which is known to have empty calories, brown sugar has some traces of micronutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin B-6. So, more or less, they are pretty much similar in nutritional profile.

Health benefits of white sugar

Provides a huge burst of energy– White sugar is a form of carbohydrate, also a micronutrient that gives energy to the body. The body breaks down sugar into glucose that can be readily utilized for energy and to carry out several functions. 

Enhance brain functioning– Glucose is the source of fuel for our brain. The brain is responsible for thinking, learning, and retention. As the brain is the most energy-demanding organ of the body, it needs a regular supply of glucose and white sugar is able to fulfil the requirements. So, white sugar in controlled quantities can enhance brain functioning.

Elevate mood– Psychologically, sugar makes an individual happy. It is considered a reward for an individual. Also, sugar activates the pleasure point of the brain and causes a rush of dopamine. Thus, immediately lifting your mood.

Heal wounds– White sugar paste when put on a wound, quickly liquefies, letting desloughing. It assists in the formation of granulation tissue and negates the formation of bacteria.