Brown sugar; Properties and features
Sweetening brown sugar is very similar to white sugar and is made from sugar cane. With the difference that it contains different amounts of molasses. Brown sugar can be refined or unrefined, but most brown sugar on the market is refined. Like all sugars, brown sugar contains calories and carbohydrates, but it does not contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it can be part of the diet, provided that it is consumed in moderation.
All calories from brown sugar come from carbohydrates. Each teaspoon of this sweetener provides 17 calories and all of these calories are from sugars. There is no fiber or starch in brown sugar. The glycemic load of brown sugar 3 is estimated to be very low. However, the glycemic load is affected by the portion size, so if the amount consumed is more than one teaspoon, the estimated glycemic load will be higher.
While fat and protein are not present in brown sugar, it does not contain significant amounts of micronutrients in normal amounts. However, at high intakes, it can provide some minerals. A glass of sugar provides 183 mg of calcium and smaller amounts of iron, magnesium, selenium, manganese and potassium.
Brown sugar, like all sugars, is a simple carbohydrate that provides a quick source of energy (glucose) for the body and brain. Glucose is the preferred source of energy for the brain. However, excess calories and carbohydrates from sugar and other sources are stored as fat, so it is important that sugar is consumed in moderation.
Excess sugar consumption is the main culprit for rising disease rates including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver. However, some experts believe that if sugar is consumed in the recommended amounts, it will not play a role in increasing the risk of disease. According to nutritional guidelines, high sugar intake should not exceed 10% of total daily calories. However, it should be noted that this number can be different for people with different physiological conditions.
Some people think that brown sugar is a healthier alternative to white sugar due to its molasses content. Molasses is known for its content of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, choline and some B vitamins, but if brown sugar is consumed within the recommended range, the micronutrients from molasses Obtained will not be significant.
Adverse effects
It may not seem like a significant amount of sugar is consumed in daily life, but by reading the nutrition labels on food products, we find that a variety of sugars, including brown sugar, are also present in products that we do not expect. For example, products such as spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, ketchup and salad dressings contain added sugar.
Due to the fact that sugar is usually hidden in many foods, many people consume significant amounts of sugar without realizing it. This is especially important for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels and prevent hyperglycemia.
Therefore, a person with diabetes should consult a nutritionist about the inclusion of brown sugar in their diet.
Types of brown sugar
Brown sugar is available in a variety of light and dark colors. Light brown sugar has a caramel color and a slight caramel flavor. This type of brown sugar is the same as refined white sugar to which some molasses has been added. Dark brown sugar is similarly refined white sugar, which has a higher amount of molasses added to it, and the higher the amount of molasses, the more color and flavor it gives.
How to store and when to consume brown sugar
Sugarcane – the raw material used to make brown sugar – is harvested between July and December. However, brown sugar is available in supermarkets all year round. Brown sugar does not spoil, but it is best used within two years after opening the package. It should be used within 18 to 24 months after opening the package and keeping it in proper condition. Sugar manufacturers believe that the best quality of brown sugar is within six months after purchase and opening the package.
However, proper storage of brown sugar is one of the most challenging issues, as most forms of brown sugar are sticky and prone to bulging and become very hard when exposed to air.
Some sugar manufacturers insist on keeping it in a cool, moist place in a stainless steel container with a tight lid or in any water-resistant plastic packaging.
It is not recommended to store brown sugar in the refrigerator, but freezing it can be a good option if you do not intend to consume it in the short term. When freezing the sugar, place it in a container that is impermeable to air, and at the time of consumption you can use a fork to separate the required amount.
If your brown sugar has hardened, it should soften before use. By softening the brown sugar, the moisture returns to it, and finally, you can replace it with white sugar in cooking. The difference is that brown sugar has a softer texture and higher moisture, and products made from it will have a moist and wet texture.