Difference Between Raw Sugar & Refined Sugar

Raw sugar is a healthier choice over refined white sugar.

For various health reasons from weight loss to diabetes, many people choose to limit their intake of sugar. However, not all sugars are created equal. While it is wise to avoid refined white sugar, unrefined raw sugar can actually be a healthy part of your diet. Does this Spark an idea?

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Process
- Raw sugar is pure juice extracted from the sugar cane and may contain molasses. It is unrefined, meaning it is not heavily processed. Refined sugar is usually white because the cane juice has been bleached with sulphur dioxide. Chemicals such as phosphoric acid, sulfur dioxide and formic acid are usually added to refined sugar, and the sugar is filtered and crystallized several times.
Features
- Raw sugar is usually brown in color due to the molasses, and the granules may be larger than white sugar. Unrefined sugar is usually bright white, with tiny granules.
Health
- Raw sugar contains nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. Refined sugar is stripped of all nutrients and is not a natural product. White, refined sugar is also a contributor to elevating blood sugar levels. And diabetes mellitus (a.k.a., sugar diabetes), is caused by excessive amounts of ingested refined sugar, according to Dr. David Reuben in his book "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Nutrition."
Diet
- While refined sugar has around 45 calories per tablespoon, raw sugar has 33 calories, as well as more nutrients for the body to absorb.
Expert Insight
- According to Natural Organic Lifestyle, raw sugar "cooks and bakes exactly like white refined sugar, giving it an advantage over [artificial sweeteners]."

Natural Organic Lifestyle

Family Education

Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Manoela Padilha

Comments

Kamesh Nov 10, 2011
Thanks for the info.
susan.marvel Oct 06, 2011
Well a little more of the raw is better than less of the refined it seems. :)
Paula Oct 06, 2011
it's just not very sweet. I just use more of it when I use it. I don't mind it at all.
susan.marvel Oct 06, 2011
There it is. I've been wanting to learn the caloric difference b/t the raw and refined.

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