7 Types of sugar and their differences


Sugar can vary according to the origin of the product and its manufacturing process. Most of the sugar consumed is made from sugar cane, but there are also products such as coconut sugar. 
Sugar is a simple type of carbohydrate that should be avoided and consumed only in small amounts, preferably without using it in the daily eating routine. Its excessive consumption can cause problems such as weight gain, diabetes and inflammation in the body. 
Here are 7 types of sugar and their characteristics:

1. Crystal sugar


Crystal sugar, as well as refined sugar, has large and irregular crystals, which are transparent or slightly yellow and easy to dissolve. During its manufacture, chemicals are added to make it white and tasty; however, with this process vitamins and mineral salts are lost. 
Despite the fact that most of the crystal sugar is white, it is also possible to find it in different colors, being used mainly to decorate cakes and birthday sweets. To obtain pink, blue or orange sugar, for example, the industry adds artificial colorants during its elaboration. 

2. Icing sugar (powder)


Icing sugar has very fine grains, being ideal for the manufacture of preparations such as chantilly, toppings and more homogeneous icings, as well as being used to decorate cakes and pies. This sugar has the appearance of talc or fine snow, it is easier to dilute than crystal sugar and during its manufacture starch is added to the formula, so that the small grains do not rejoin. 

3. Muscovado sugar


Muscovado sugar, also called brown, is obtained from the cooking of sugar cane syrup, maintaining a good part of its nutrients, such as iron, folic acid and calcium. Because it is not refined, this sugar also has larger and darker grains, which are not easily diluted like those of refined sugar; In addition, it has a flavor very similar to that of sugar cane. 
Despite being one of the healthiest versions, it is also high in calories, and should be consumed only in small amounts. 

4. Brown sugar


Similar to brown sugar, also known as muscovado, demerara differs in that it undergoes a slight purification and refining process, but without the use of chemical additives. This sugar also maintains the minerals present in sugar cane and, in addition, it is more easily diluted and has a milder flavor than muscovado sugar. 

5. Light sugar


Light sugar is obtained from a mixture between refined sugar and artificial or natural sweeteners, generating a final product that sweetens more than ordinary sugar, but with fewer calories. However, its flavor is similar to the artificial flavor of sweeteners and should not be used in the case of diabetes either. 

6. Organic sugar


Organic sugar has the same calories as regular sugar, but it preserves a small part of the nutrients present in sugar cane. The main difference is that during the production of organic sugar, artificial ingredients, fertilizers, chemical fertilizers or pesticides are not used at any stage. This also differs by not being refined, having a thicker shape and being darker, in addition to having a more expensive price. 

7. Coconut sugar


Coconut sugar is obtained from the sap of the coconut tree and not from its fruit, the coconut. This is a minimally processed food, without preservatives or refining processes, as it happens with common sugar. This sugar has a lower glycemic index than ordinary sugar and helps not to alter blood glucose levels much. 
In addition, this sugar contains minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium, and vitamins of the B complex. 
It is important to keep in mind that, being a simple carbohydrate, all types of sugar should be avoided in cases of diabetes, apart from being consumed only in small amounts to maintain health and a balanced weight.


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