If you are a diet freak or a health-conscious person, then there is no way the benefits of brown sugar are foreign to you. Brown sugar is in hype these days, and many households have replaced white sugar with brown sugar and started consuming it daily. Also, who has not heard doctors recommending brown sugar over white sugar? But is brown sugar worth the hype?
What is the difference between white sugar, brown sugar, and jaggery?
People mistake brown sugar for being the same as jaggery. But, in reality, both have different sources. Brown sugar is obtained from sugarcane, and it gains its rich brown color due to the presence of molasses added to traditional white sugar. At the same time, jaggery is obtained from concentrated cane juice and palm sap without molasses and crystals being separated from it. White sugar is obtained from sugarcane, and molasses is removed from it. Apart from that, there is a variety of brown sugar available in the market, for example, Natural Brown Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar, Muscovado Sugar, Demerara Sugar, Turbinado Sugar, and much more. The only difference is the amount of molasses added to it.
Yes, when compared to white sugar, brown sugar has more benefits. Brown sugar contains nutrients like amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and potassium that are not present in white sugar. Also, it is low in calories. A teaspoon of brown sugar contains 15 calories, whereas one teaspoon of white sugar contains 16.3 calories.
As brown sugar contains nutrients that can be beneficial for the human body, consuming it can help in curing low metabolism, bone diseases, respiratory tract diseases, sleep disorder, respiratory diseases, hormonal diseases, endocrine, obesity, heart-related disease, diabetes, premature aging, liver disease, tooth decay, brain damage and much more.
As brown sugar contains a lot of golden nutrients and properties that can do wonders for the human body, everyone should add brown sugar to their diet. Here are the six benefits of consuming brown sugar that you need to know:
Helps in promoting skin health
We do everything in order to get gorgeous skin. Adopting a simple habit of having brown sugar can help in getting results quickly. Containing nutrients such as vitamin B6, niacin, and pantothenic acid, brown sugar helps in fighting against the harmful effect of free radicals in the body. Apart from that, it contains glycolic acid and nutrients that help in removing scars by lightening the skin, providing a natural and radiant glow by exfoliating dead cells, and moisturizing and hydrating the skin naturally. Also, by promoting healthy PH and hydrating the skin, brown sugar helps in preventing acne.
Helps in providing relief from menstrual cramps
The pain of menstrual cramps is unbearable for many. Having sugary, salty, friend, etc., foods can make it even worse. It is very important to eat healthily when having periods. In case you have a sweet tooth and are craving something sweet to eat during periods, use brown sugar in for preparing dessert as brown sugar being rich in potassium, helps in combatting menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles, balancing the body, stabilizing the hormones, and preventing water retention.
Helps in weight loss
Obesity is a disease that affects the functioning of the body and mind. Losing weight is a key treatment for many diseases. In order to lose weight, an individual should exercise regularly and consume food items that are low in fat and calorie content and promotes satiety as well. Brown sugar contains molasses which helps in boosting metabolism and satiety in an individual, which helps in cutting the calorie intake, and that eventually leads to weight loss.
Helps in managing low blood sugar levels
We all are aware of the harm caused by diabetes and high sugar levels. But what about low sugar levels? When blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL, it leads to Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels can lead to a lot of uneasiness, and it can cause a lot of mental disorders such as anxiety, disorder, etc. It is very important to pay equal attention to low blood sugar levels as well. Brown sugar contains potassium which helps the body to release more insulin and helps increase blood sugar levels.
Helps in curing infections
Having infections can cause an individual a lot of discomforts. It is important to have food items that have antiseptic properties in them and help in fighting against these infections. Having antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, brown sugar helps in fighting bacteria and infection
Helps in getting relief from post-delivery pain
Giving birth to a baby is equivalent to having 20 fractures at a time. Very painful, indeed! Brown sugar contains nutrients such as calcium, iron, folate, potassium, carbohydrates, and vitamins, which help in getting relief from cramps and discomforts felt by women during pregnancy, but it also helps with post-delivery recovery by replenishing the moisture, providing energy and boosting the production of blood cells.
Mentioned above are the six elaborated benefits of brown sugar. But it has some drawbacks as well; people suffering from diabetes can consume brown sugar in moderation as it leads to an increase in blood sugar levels which can further lead to dehydration, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. Also, if had in access, it can lead to weight gain, increased risk of skin cancer, hyperactivity, inflammation, irritability, and much more. So, moderation is the key here. Also, it is always advised to seek professional help before adding anything to your diet.