We all have a soft corner for sweets. But we know sugar brings a ton of calories with it. Health enthusiasts always think that good health and sugar can’t go hand in hand. Don’t worry; take a pause! There is a solution to every problem. In this case, brown sugar is the solution. Brown sugar comes not only with fewer calories than white sugar but also a lot of other benefits. To know in detail about brown sugar benefits you can’t miss this blog.
What is brown sugar?
Brown sugar is a processed sweetener obtained from sugarcane. It is different from white sugar in color, texture and benefits as it contains molasses. It has a caramel-like flavor and feels wet due to moisture present in the molasses. It is used in many culinary applications as a substitute for regular sugar and is often regarded as a healthier option for its proven benefits. Let’s discuss more about brown sugar benefits in the following section.
Before we proceed, we should have a glimpse at the brown sugar nutrition table.
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Brown Sugar Nutritional Values
As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, One teaspoon (4.6g) of brown sugar possesses:
| Calories | 17.6 |
| Protein | 0.006 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.5 g |
| Glucose | 0.062 g |
| Sucrose | 4.35 g |
| Fructose | 0.051 g |
| Calcium | 3.82 g |
| Iron | 0.033 mg |
| Magnesium | 0.414 mg |
| Phosphorus | 0.184 mg |
| Potassium | 6.12 mg |
| Sodium | 1.3 mg |
All the nutritional facts prove that it is a healthier alternative to refined white sugar. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that may help you in reducing many health cruxes. We have made a comprehensive list to guide you to understand its benefits in an infographic manner.
White Sugar Vs Brown Sugar
White and Brown sugar both are derived from the same raw material i.e. sugar cane. The sugar cane juice obtained from sugar cane is purified and converted into pure sugar crystals and molasses. If some of these molasses are added back to pure sugar crystals then we get brown sugar while the pure purified sugar crystal is white sugar.
The molasses contains main essential nutrients. Since brown sugar contains molasses while white is mainly purified sugar crystal, devoid of any nutrients, so generally brown sugar is considered to be more nutritious than white sugar.
Brown sugar generally has a richer caramel like richer taste while white sugar has plane sweet taste.
Since Brown sugar has molasses so it has higher moisture content while white sugar is generally drier and finer.
8 Amazing Brown Sugar Benefits
Keeps Menstrual Cramps Away
Due to the presence of potassium in brown sugar, it works as a pain reliever during periods. Studies suggest that brown sugar alleviates menstrual symptoms and nourishes women from blood loss. You can mix brown sugar in ginger tea to reduce discomfort in pregnancy.
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Protects Skin Aging
Brown sugar works effectively on the skin by removing dead cells and dry cells. It contains niacin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid and all these elements work to rejuvenate our skin. It has antibacterial properties and glycolic acid which makes the skin glow and smooth, also protects from UV rays.
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Treats Constipation
Brown sugar can help people with typical digestive disorders. It works the same as fig syrup, a drug used to treat constipation. It relieves pain during excretion. Moreover, it can bring your bower movement on track if taken regularly in moderate quantity.
Relieves Cold
Brown sugar is an age-old remedy to treat cold. Daily consumption of brown sugar in tea or lukewarm water reduces long problem of common cold and asthma. Plus it works as a natural energy booster.
A Weight Loss Friend
As calorie count is a major issue in weight loss, brown sugar can be a great addition to your diet. It contains low calories and helps to increase metabolism, both are necessary for weight loss. Additionally, it keeps you full for a longer duration and reduces the hunger pangs.
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Natural Antiseptic
One more brown sugar benefit is, that it can work effectively to fight against infection. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which can heal minor cuts and bruises. It removes body impurities.
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Digestive Improvement
Unlike white sugar , Brown sugar contains molasses and essential nutrients which can activate digestive enzymes and help in digestion process.
Rich source of Nutrients
Brown sugar is a rich source of nutrients and contains high amounts of essential nutrients like antioxidants, iron and calcium. Brown sugar has immense positive impact on immunity and digestive capability of the body and also lowers the chances of cancer.
Uses of Brown Sugar
There are multiple ways we can incorporate brown sugar in our day to day lifestyle. Some of the ways are listed below:
- Brown sugar can be used in morning Teas and coffee
- Brown sugar can be added in baked goods as a substitute of white sugar.
- Brown sugar can be combined with hot cereals like oatmeal, porridge to make them more delicious.
- Brown sugar can be used an a sweetener in many sauces and other savory dishes.
Brown Sugar Side Effects
Despite all the positive benefits a sweetener is always recommended to be intake in moderate quantity, and brown sugar is no exception. Patients with type 2 diabetes are advised to keep a check on their blood glucose levels if they consume brown sugar on a regular basis. Excessive consumption of it can raise some dental issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), people should not exceed their sugar consumption by more than 10% of their total calorie intake in a day.
Conclusion
Brown sugar is not as common a sweetener as white sugar in our kitchen. But it is gaining attention from the health freaks nowadays for its proven benefits. It contains little more minerals and vitamins than white sugar, thus becoming good for health if taken in limited amounts.
