Is Real Sugar Better For You Than Refined Sugar ?

          "Is real sugar better for you than refined sugar?" There is quite

a debate raging on this subject. Opinions are flying on both sides

of the debate. To fully form an informed opinion, you need to know

how sugar is "refined." Then you will understand the answer to the

question. 

              Refined sugar is nearly pure sucrose that is obtained from raw

sugar sources such as sugar cane and sugar beets. Sugar cane

provides the bulk of refined sugar because it is the more easily

grown of the two source crops. The next steps in the process will

help you to answer the question "is real sugar better for you than

refined sugar?"

          Sugar is normally refined in two major ways: affination and

carbonization. Affination involves mixing raw sugar with high

fructose syrup. This liquid mixture is fed into centrifugal

chambers. The liquid is spun until it separates into liquid and

sugar crystals. The sugar crystals are higher in sucrose content,

but have an unacceptable level of contaminants, so carbonization is

then used. In carbonization, the sugar is mixed with a liquid to

make a 50/50 solution. Milk of lime is then added. The milk of

lime mixes with the solution and calcium carbonate is formed. The

calcium carbonate attracts the contaminates and discolorants so

they can be removed. In some cases phosphorus is used instead of

milk of lime. Knowing that all of these chemicals are added, it is

not hard to answer the question "is real sugar better for you than

refined sugar?"

        Real sugars are those sugars that are in their natural forms and

come from fruit, grain, and vegetables. These sugars are usually

not "refined" in anyway. Some of the sources of these sugars are

honey, molasses, and agave. Sugar cane and sugar beets can provide

this type of sugar if they have not been processed. Normally the

source syrup is boiled and dried to produce sugar crystals. Some

examples of this type of crystal sugar are demerara, muscovado, and

turbinado. These sugars are yellowish or brown in color and tend

to clump when exposed to air.

       The best course of action is to only consume naturally occurring

sugars in their natural forms. That is difficult to do. If you

have to use added sugar, then it is obvious that real sugar is

best. Answering if real sugar is better for you than refined sugar

is kind of a no-brainer. Carbohydrates in their natural forms are

easier for your body to digest, use, and eliminate. The chemicals

added during processing and refining are harmful and should be

avoided whenever possible. Consuming real sugar will lead to a

more healthy and balanced diet and a healthier you. Is real sugar

better for you than refined sugar?          Yes, most definitely!