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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