Is Raw Cane Sugar Healthier Than Table Sugar?

In many recipes, no conventional white sugar is used, but raw cane sugar. The types of sugar can easily be substituted for each other. You can find out here whether raw cane sugar is actually healthier than table sugar and what makes the difference between the two.

Similarities

From a purely chemical point of view, there is no difference between the two types of sugar. Both are made of sucrose, which is made up of glucose and fructose molecules. Nutritional values and calories (400 kcal/100g) are the same for both. Both varieties are also very similar in taste, which is why they can be easily interchanged. However, raw cane sugar has a very slight hint of caramel.

Differences

Raw cane sugar and household sugar have fundamental similarities. However, their origin differs. Raw cane sugar is obtained from sugar cane. This is grown in the tropics and subtropics. Brazil and India are the largest sugar cane producers. Household sugar, on the other hand, is made from sugar beets. They are produced in Europe. Especially in France and Germany. There are also differences in processing. Household sugar is cleaned and centrifuged until it gets its typical white color. During this time, raw cane sugar is only refined once. It therefore still contains molasses from the sugar cane, which is then responsible for the brown color.

Note: Raw cane sugar is often confused with brown sugar. However, brown sugar is obtained from sugar beets and then colored brown.

Is raw cane sugar healthier than table sugar?

The fact is: that raw cane sugar is no healthier than table sugar! But if raw cane sugar is less processed than conventional household sugar, it must be healthier, right? In contrast to table sugar, valuable nutrients such as minerals and trace elements are actually retained during production. However, the proportion is dwindling small. We would therefore have to consume kilos of raw cane sugar in order to absorb a relevant amount of it.

Already knew?

Sugar activates the reward system in our brain. This leads to more happiness hormones being released. That’s why chocolate and co. make us happy.

Both varieties cause our blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. This is due to the high sucrose content. Although this gives us energy in the short term, the blood sugar level then drops just as quickly. The result is cravings and a strong craving for even more sugar. This often leads to high sugar consumption. However, excessive consumption has negative effects on our health. In particular, diseases of affluence such as obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases can then arise. Our teeth also suffer from too much sugar. Dental diseases such as caries are therefore becoming more and more common. Sugar and sugary foods should therefore rarely be on the menu.

Healthy alternatives

Healthy sweetening is still possible! It is advantageous to use alternatives that keep the blood sugar level constant and are lower in calories. Their sweetening power is very different. Here is an overview of possible alternatives:

Sugar alternative – Sweetening power in %

• Stevia 300
• Date syrup 110
• Birch sugar (xylitol) 100
• coconut blossom sugar 100
• Agave Syrup 95-100
• (very) ripe banana 80-90
• honey 80
• Erythritol 70

Tip: You can find most sugar alternatives in any well-stocked supermarket or health food store. Most of the time, they are slightly more expensive than sugar. But our health is definitely worth it!