"Is real sugar better for you than refined sugar?" There is quite a debate raging on this subject. Opinions are flying on both sides of the debate. To fully form an informed opinion, you need to know how sugar is "refined." Then you will understand the answer to the question.
Refined sugar is nearly pure sucrose that is obtained from raw sugar sources such as sugar cane and sugar beets. Sugar cane provides the bulk of refined sugar because it is the more easily grown of the two source crops. The next steps in the process will help you to answer the question "is real sugar better for you than refined sugar?"
Sugar is normally refined in two major ways: affination and carbonization. Affination involves mixing raw sugar with high fructose syrup. This liquid mixture is fed into centrifugal chambers. The liquid is spun until it separates into liquid and sugar crystals. The sugar crystals are higher in sucrose content, but have an unacceptable level of contaminants, so carbonization is then used. In carbonization, the sugar is mixed with a liquid to make a 50/50 solution. Milk of lime is then added. The milk of lime mixes with the solution and calcium carbonate is formed. The calcium carbonate attracts the contaminates and discolorants so they can be removed. In some cases phosphorus is used instead of milk of lime. Knowing that all of these chemicals are added, it is not hard to answer the question "is real sugar better for you than refined sugar?"
Real sugars are those sugars that are in their natural forms and come from fruit, grain, and vegetables. These sugars are usually not "refined" in anyway. Some of the sources of these sugars are honey, molasses, and agave. Sugar cane and sugar beets can provide this type of sugar if they have not been processed. Normally the source syrup is boiled and dried to produce sugar crystals. Some examples of this type of crystal sugar are demerara, muscovado, and turbinado. These sugars are yellowish or brown in color and tend to clump when exposed to air.
The best course of action is to only consume naturally occurring sugars in their natural forms. That is difficult to do. If you have to use added sugar, then it is obvious that real sugar is best. Answering if real sugar is better for you than refined sugar is kind of a no-brainer. Carbohydrates in their natural forms are easier for your body to digest, use, and eliminate. The chemicals added during processing and refining are harmful and should be avoided whenever possible. Consuming real sugar will lead to a more healthy and balanced diet and a healthier you. Is real sugar better for you than refined sugar? Yes, most definitely!
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