Raw Sugar Vs. Refined
Americans are now more than ever taking the initiative to educate themselves on the foods they buy and eat. They are interested in changing their diets to include healthy, natural foods over processed. Sugar, though it may not be considered "healthy," is still an important ingredient in many foods.
Sugar comes in various forms: powdered, table white sugar, brown sugar and refined and raw. However, there are many misconceptions to what defines refined sugar and raw sugar and which, if either, is better.
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Refined Sugar Process
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Refined sugar is the most common sugar used in the Western world, particularly in America. Originally, the sugar is natural and comes straight from sugar canes or sugar beets. Refined sugar, however, is processed by extracting the sucrose from the plant and then it undergoes a process that cleans impurities from the sugar such as mold, soil, bacteria, stalk fibers and wax. Bleaching agents such as lime and carbon dioxide or phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide are added to obtain the familiar bright, white color. It is then refined once again by filtering it in a liquid state through a beef bone char. Finally, the sugar becomes what is commonly known as "table sugar." Through the refining process, the look and taste of the natural sugar has changed dramatically.
Raw Sugar Process
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The main misconception of raw sugar is that it is completely raw and a natural product. In fact, raw sugar, like refined sugar, also undergoes processing. Raw sugar comes from the same sugar cane or sugar beet. It is then washed, boiled, filtered and pressed. The sweet juice is mixed with lime to achieve the proper pH balance and to clear any impurities. It is then reduced by evaporation and dried to produce granules. The brown color of the raw sugar is from the presence of molasses.
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Considerations
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If there is a healthier option, raw sugar is preferred. Even after the refining process, it has still maintained 95 percent of the sucrose products. It also contains a mere 11 calories per teaspoon; and has the same vitamins and minerals found in the natural sugar cane juice. These minerals include phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Through its processing, refined sugar contains additive chemicals that could be harmful to the body.
Misconceptions
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It is also important not to confuse brown sugar with unrefined raw sugar. Although they are a similar color, they are in fact different. Brown sugar has been refined. The various brown colors are a byproduct of the added molasses, whereas the unrefined raw sugar's brown color is from the natural molasses.
Conclusion
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Sugar is the leading culprit in many diseases like Type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. Many foods contain some form of sugar. It is important to use it sparingly and to take a careful look when deciding which sweetener is a better option.
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