We all know that too much white sugar can be unhealthy, but what about brown sugar or demerara sugar? Lately, people have been swapping their white sugar packets for brown or demerara sugar thinking it has some health benefits.
Brown sugar gets its name and colour from the small amount of molasses in it. It is believed to be a healthier alternative than plain white sugar, and it does seem like brown sugar may have some benefits compared to its white counterpart.
Is brown sugar better than white sugar?
The key difference between white sugar and brown sugar is that the latter is not as processed as the former. This means it retains some nutrients like vitamins and minerals. White sugar is completely devoid of nutrients.
Brown sugar has some amount of molasses, which also has calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins B3, B5 and B6.
That being said, brown sugar and white sugar has almost the same number of calories. A hundred grams of brown sugar has 380 calories, and the same amount of sugar has 387. So it's wrong to think that brown sugar is a weight loss substitute for white sugar.
Nutritional composition of brown sugar
One teaspoon of brown sugar contains the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Measurement |
| Calories | 17 |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5 grams |
Uses of brown sugar
Brown sugar can be used pretty much in the same way as regular sugar. Bakers love it for the rich flavour and colour it can add to baked products. It can also be sprinkled on top of cakes, creme brulee, puddings and pies for a sugary crust. It's also great for making caramel, much better than regular sugar.
Disclaimer:
“The recipes, food, its nutritional value or any other information are developed/shared by expert professionals as per their skill levels. The website shall not be responsible for any consequences arising as a result of using or following any information given in this video/article. Viewers discretion advised.”