Refined sugar – what it is, what it is for and how to use it!
Refined sugar is white sugar, common, it is processed from sugar cane molasses or brown sugar . Initially presented in brown color.
What is Refined Sugar?
White sugar is the most used. Its white appearance and flavor are the result of the addition of sulfur during refining.
The substance takes away vitamins and minerals. Refined sugar raises blood pressure by more than 25% over salt.
In addition, it ages the skin, is associated with degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and even myopia.
How is Refined Sugar Made?
Refined sugar receives a series of chemicals that change its color and flavor so that it is clear and uniform.
Consequently, the refinement process causes the product to lose its vitamins and minerals.
Which makes it a food with empty calories, that is, without nutrients.
What Other Types of Sugar?
There are several types of sugar . The differences are the raw materials, forms of refinement, texture, flavor, nutritional composition.
Learn about the manufacturing processes, the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Get to know the types of sugar:
Brown sugar:
Caramel in color and with a flavor similar to that of rapadura, brown sugar is extracted from sugar cane.
What gives it different characteristics from refined is the difference in the industrialization process, since it is obtained in cooking.
Therefore, it does not go through the refinement process, an action that preserves its nutritional values.
Raw sugar:
Known for being one of the most expensive forms of sugar extracted from cane, demerara is widely used in the recipe for sophisticated sweets.
With a milder flavor than brown , the ingredients go through the purification and refinement process, however, it does not have chemical additives.
Therefore, it maintains the mineral content of the sugarcane.
It is sugar with large, transparent crystals that are difficult to dissolve in water.
After cooking, it only undergoes a light refinement, which removes “only” 90% of the mineral salts.
Because it is economical and yields a lot, crystal sugar always appears in recipes for cakes and sweets.
What are the Benefits of Refined Sugar?
Generates Good Bacteria:
Glucose helps to proliferate good bacteria present in our intestines and help eliminate bad bacteria.
It is Calcium Source:
This mineral is very important for keeping our teeth and bones healthy and strong, as well as helping to control PMS symptoms , as well as iron!
Rich in Potassium:
Did you know that potassium is one of the most important minerals to keep the body functioning?
The lack of this nutrient can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.
It is important for the brain , as potassium allows oxygen to reach it, increasing our cognitive function.
Why is Refined Sugar Bad for Health?
The process that transforms sugarcane. in refined sugar takes all the nutrients out of the food, making it just a “calorie”.
There are almost no nutrients left. In addition, sugar “steals” important nutrients from the body, such as calcium.
Harms of Refined Sugar:
In excess, it can weaken the immune system, favoring the appearance of diseases, such as:
- Diabetes;
- Hypertension;
- Obesity;
- Impairs memory;
- Causes irritability;
- Tiredness.
Sugar abuse is also linked to some types of cancer, such as:
- mama;
- uterus;
- ovary;
- rins;
- intestine;
- prostate.
What is the Difference Between Crystal and Refined Sugar?
Crystal sugar has many useful minerals that are not found in refined sugar. In addition, unrefined sugar has beneficial properties that are stripped away in the refining process.
Although raw sugar is less processed, all types of sugar provide approximately the same calorie.
Uses of Refined Sugar:
Refined sugar is the most consumed in the world . Cheaper, it is widely used in the production of cakes, sweets, drinks, juices, ice cream and others. In addition, they can also be used for home remedies.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Refined Sugar:
As with most foods, refined sugar is healthy in adequate doses. Also, in this sense, it should be noted that glucose (a type of sugar) is the substance that gives energy to our brain . However, if consumed in excess, there are a number of health drawbacks, such as:
- Obesity;
- Dental caries;
- type 2 diabetes ;
- Also, hypertension.
In this way, it can be said that sugar sweetens, but its contraindications are evident and therefore there is a bitter side. In addition, to reduce its harmful effect, products were created in versions without refined sugar , such as cookies, chewing gum, chocolates, etc. These measures are related to low-calorie diets. However, it is often really effective for people with diabetes.