Unrefined sugar - Is it better for you? - Nom Wholefoods (2024)

FAQs

Unrefined sugar - Is it better for you? - Nom Wholefoods? ›

The molasses in the unrefined sugars do have some extra nutrients and minerals but the amounts are very small and don't make a difference in the quantities we use sugar.

A common misconception is that raw and unrefined sugars are healthier than table sugar... Those no-guilt-inducing types of sweeteners. Unrefined sweeteners do have slightly more nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants when compared to refined and raw sugars. However, the amount per serving is minuscule.

While they are produced differently, resulting in distinct tastes, colors, and culinary uses, brown sugar is often simply processed white sugar with molasses. Contrary to common belief, they are nutritionally similar. Brown sugar contains slightly more minerals than white sugar but will not provide any health benefits.

You can opt for coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, which are some good and healthy options. Another good option is shakkar, an unprocessed sugar rich in nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium. You can also use jaggery to sweeten up your desserts and beverages.

A completely unrefined sugar is called a “raw” sugar. Unrefined sugars, however, are much less refined than the refined sugars detailed above. These types of sugars are called unrefined as they contain most of the original cane molasses they began with before being brought to consumers.

It is well established that unrefined sugarcane products have antioxidant activity due to phytochemicals, polyphenols, and total antioxidant capacity, which may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress.

Added fructose may have the most negative health effects, but experts agree that you should limit your intake of all types of added sugar. However, there is no need to limit the sugars found naturally in fruits and vegetables.

Stevia and monk fruit are both naturally derived from plants and some people feel they have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. The FDA says these sweeteners are “generally regarded as safe,” which means they are safe to use for their intended purpose.

Raw, unrefined sugar actually has some nutrients and this is why foods like honey, brown rice syrup, maple sugar, cane juice, date sugar, fruit and molasses are better for you. In fact original sugar cane has 10-15% of sugar concentration and rest of it is water, fiber, enzyme, vitamin, and minerals.

Honey Health Benefits

"Honey's advantages over sugar include a slightly lower glycemic index (i.e. it doesn't affect your blood-sugar levels as much)," Dr. Dixon says. 10 "It also contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, zinc, phenolic acids, and flavonoids."

What type of sugar should be avoided? ›

Panela, sucanat, evaporated cane juice, whole cane sugar are all names for boiled and dried cane sugar juice. This is the least processed type of cane sugar and has trace amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Non-Centrifugal Sugar is a Much Healthier Option

Because it has not been cooked at high heat and the molasses has not been separated from the sugar, it has nutritional value—unlike refined sugars, which have none.

Obviously, natural sugars are still sugars—and they can negatively impact people with diabetes because of that. However, these sugars often come with antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients, which can help to mitigate their drawbacks and deliver additional health benefits.

I am often asked why unrefined sugars are more expensive than white sugar. The main reason is that they are usually made in small batches and imported from cane-growing countries around the world, such as Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, Mauritius, and Mexico. There is no production of traditional brown sugars in America.

Sweeteners like fruit juice, honey, molasses and maple syrup contain natural sugar and have some nutritional benefits. Fruit has fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Even raw honey and maple syrup can contain antioxidants and minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and potassium.

Honey Health Benefits

"Honey's advantages over sugar include a slightly lower glycemic index (i.e. it doesn't affect your blood-sugar levels as much)," Dr. Dixon says. 10 "It also contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, zinc, phenolic acids, and flavonoids."