Types of sugar: understand the difference between the options!

There are so many different types of sugar that you probably don't know exactly how to differentiate between them. In fact, each of these types has its differences from one another, varying in taste, appearance and nutritional properties.

So that you understand, there is a rule: the darker the sugar, the more vitamins and minerals it will have.

Whereas, having a whitish appearance will indicate that the product has undergone a process of adding chemical products, which causes it to lose a large part of its nutrients.

For example, a potion with 100 grams of brown sugar will provide 85 milligrams of calcium, 29 milligrams of magnesium, 22 milligrams of phosphorus and 346 milligrams of potassium.

In turn, white sugar, having the same measurement, absorbs 2 milligrams of each of these nutrients, and does not exceed that.

Discover the types of sugar right now!!

Crystal: Of the white sugars, this is the one that is least produced in chemical processes. In fact, it forms a base for obtaining other variations of sugar, such as refined and confectioner's sugar.

Having very large and more translucent grains, making it difficult to dilute them with liquids. This type of sugar, when refined, has an average loss of 90% of the minerals it contains.

Refined: The most consumed and common sugar is obtained by diluting crystal sugar. It is extracted from the syrup and goes through numerous processes to finish with sieving. From there, the most refined part is removed, separating the confectioner's sugar.

Otherwise, it turns into refined sugar. Because this product undergoes various types of industrial processes, it ends up losing all of its nutritional value, which is seen as an empty calorie.

From the confectioner: Made from finer grains when compared to refined sugar, this sugar has an additive composition based on starch or calcium phosphate, giving it a more remarkable smoothness.

Because it is very fine, confectioner's sugar is often used in the preparation of breads and sweets, giving them a special touch. It is also used to make many coverings. By the way, make your own powdered sugar, just grind refined sugar and pass it through a food processor.

Brown sugar: This has a caramel tone and a brown sugar flavor. This type of sugar is produced through the process of cooking sugar cane, without going through any type of refining.

This way, it maintains good nutrient conservation. Even though there is no big difference in terms of calories, this type of sugar is considered to be the best for our health.

Organic: The sugarcane used in the production of organic sugar is cultivated in a way that does not contain any pesticides or other chemical substances.

This organic sugar preserves all of its vitamins and minerals. In other words, it provides a double benefit: no chemical additives + good nutritional properties. Its appearance is that of larger grains with a darker appearance.

Demerara: being a type very close to the nutritional properties of brown sugar, as it contains vitamins and minerals from sugar cane.

Its grain is lighter brown and does not interfere with the taste when consumed. However, demarera is more useful for more refined sweet recipes.

Artificial sweeteners: produced specifically for people with diabetes. Although it is a low-calorie product, it contains various chemical components.

Fructose: its name can already show where this substance is extracted from, it is fruits (corn also has it). Something that can also be found in cereals, vegetables and or even in honey.

As soon as it undergoes the process to be industrialized, it loses a good deal of its nutritional properties, giving it a much sweeter taste. Fructose is used in the preparation of industrially manufactured sweets.

Do you know how to exchange refined sugar for brown sugar?

For people looking for a healthy diet and routine, choosing brown sugar is a good way to achieve this, as it has a multitude of nutrients when compared to refined sugar.

However, you should replace it more slowly and gradually, as brown sugar has a very characteristic flavor compared to other more common types of sugar.

That's why it's a good idea to start replacing white sugar in your breakfasts and try some recipes that use brown sugar instead.

Tip: despite having many nutrients, brown sugar has a good amount of calories and can be consumed in moderation. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), there is a recommendation that consumption should be kept to 10% of daily calories.

APPLE CAKE RECIPE WITH BROWN SUGAR

Ingredients:

• Eggs – 4 units
• Unsalted butter – 100 grams
• Brown sugar – 2 and a half cups
• Cinnamon powder – 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
• Oat flakes – 1 cup
• Wheat flour – 2 cups
• Chopped red apples – 3 units

Method of preparation:

1. First, mix the beaten eggs with the other ingredients, and add the apple last. This dough will look very firm, but the liquid released by the apples will make the mixture easier to work with.
2. Then, grease the pan with oil and sprinkle with wheat flour. Then, distribute it and put it in the oven to bake at a higher temperature for 20 minutes and another 30 minutes in the oven at a medium temperature.
3. Don't forget to place another pan below the one you're baking your cake in, this is to prevent it from overcooking and burning.
4. Once you remove it from the oven, wait a while for it to cool down so you can unmold it.

This cake recipe is for a late afternoon snack, or even for breakfast, so you can learn the exchanges of types of sugar!