Fact Checked This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to
these studies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically
peer-reviewed studies. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. September 22, 2020
The detriments of eating a sugary diet are now widely known, yet it can still be confusing to navigate the ins and outs of sugar consumption given how many types of sweeteners and sugar alternatives — including coconut, raw and cane sugar, as well as stevia and others — are now available. Is cane sugar better for you than refined sugar? Below we’ll look at exactly what cane sugar is, how it’s processed, and the potential pros and cons of including it in your diet. What Is Cane Sugar?Cane sugar is defined as “sugar obtained from sugar cane.” Sugar cane (or sugarcane, which has the genus name Saccharum) refers to several species and hybrids of tall perennial grasses in the Andropogoneae plant family. Other plants in the same family include corn/maize, wheat, rice, sorghum and many forage crops. Sugarcane plants have fibrous stalks that are rich in sucrose (sugar). They are native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and New Guinea, although they are now widely grown around the world in warm, temperate climates. Here are some more interesting facts about cane sugar:
Related: Policosanol: Can It Really Balance Cholesterol & Blood Pressure? Types/VarietiesSugar refining determines how raw sugarcane is turned into various types of sweeteners. The process of turning raw sugar into table sugar as we know it can include steps, such as:
What is the difference between sugar and cane sugar? Here’s what you need to know about cane sugar vs. white sugar:
White/table sugar is further refined than cane sugar. Types of cane sugar include:
Nutrition FactsCane sugar is a pure source of carbohydrates, providing four calories per gram or 16 calories in a level teaspoon (four grams). Other than providing calories and carbs, isolated sugar has no other nutrients. Below is the nutritional value of a one-ounce/28-gram serving of cane sugar (about two tablespoons):
Potential BenefitsWhat are the benefits of cane sugar? While hardly any expert will recommend consuming sugar in high quantities, there are some uses for sugar when it comes to providing you with carbohydrates, which can be used for energy, and for making food taste better.
Risks and Side EffectsWhy is cane sugar unhealthy? Here are some of the reasons that, when eaten in high amounts, sugar is bad for you:
How many grams of sugar per day should you consume? According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you should limit added sugar consumption to less than 10 percent of your total daily calories (and ideally a lot less). On a typical 2,000-calorie diet, this translates to about 50 grams of added sugar per day, which many experts warn is still a relatively high amount. AlternativesWhile small amounts of sugar in your diet may not pose a risk to your health, assuming your diet is overall nutrient-dense, there are fortunately now many sugar substitutes available that can help you cut your intake. Here are some alternatives to cane sugar and table sugar:
Conclusion
Can you substitute cane sugar for regular sugar?Cane sugar
Cane sugar is like granulated sugar, but exclusively made of sugarcane (as opposed to sugar beets), and processed way less. The crystals emerge ever-so-slightly larger than granulated, and are lightly golden. Despite these differences, cane sugar is a fine substitute for granulated sugar.
Which sugar is healthiest?Brown sugar is definitely a healthier option than refined white sugar. It is processed in a completely natural way to maintain as much of the sugarcane's natural nutrition as possible, including vitamins and minerals.
What's the difference between cane sugar and regular?Unlike the highly refined granulated sugar, which can come from sugarcane and/or sugar beets, cane sugar is produced solely from sugarcane and is minimally processed. It has a slightly larger grain, and a darker color, since the molasses has not been refined out. Use cane sugar the same way you would granulated sugar.
Is cane sugar unhealthy?Is cane sugar healthy? Overall, it's not that much different from regular white sugar, although it's less processed. It's still relatively high in “empty calories” and lacking nutrients.
|