Terms of Use Brown sugar is just as refined as granulated sugar. This article explains whether brown sugar is better than white sugar if you have diabetes. This hormone regulates your blood sugar levels. Brown sugar also contains more calcium, iron, and potassium, although the amounts of these nutrients found in a typical serving are insignificant (1, 2). By weight, its caloric and carbohydrate values are slightly less than white granulated sugar, but brown sugar still can have a significant effect on your blood glucose levels. Demerara sugar however has a slightly higher mineral content than ordinary refined sugar. Although they’re produced from the same sources, brown sugar is often touted as a natural, healthy alternative to white sugar. Although molasses does contain some minerals, the amount of molasses added to brown sugar is not enough to constitute a nutritional benefit. To develop an appropriate diet plan, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. This article reviews muscovado sugar, including how it differs from other types of sugar, Sugar alcohol and diabetes nutrition are compatible. This article reviews sugar’s role in developing…, Running out of an ingredient you need for a recipe can be stressful, but in the case of brown sugar, there’s no need to fret. Instead, brown sugar's coloration comes from the molasses added during processing in different quantities to give it its unique taste and cooking properties. Although many people associate brown foods with health and nutrition, brown sugar shouldn't be considered a healthy alternative to other sweeteners. Because brown and white sugar are produced from either the sugar beet or sugarcane plant, they’re nearly identical nutritionally. The benefits of brown sugar have been considered better than white sugar, especially after being known to have a relatively low glycemic index, which is around 54. What is Brown Sugar? Saccharin. Brown sugar is high in carbohydrates so be careful when adding it to foods like oatmeal. Here are 7 clever…, Did you know artificial sweeteners may actually increase the risk of diabetes or worsen your condition? Dr. Courtney Winston is a registered/licensed dietitian, certified diabetes educator and public health educator. Demerara is also more delicious because it has a natural caramel-like taste, which provides a sweet twist so to speak when added as recipe for baking, tea or drinks and other viands. Eating too much of it can easily cause high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, and diabetics must avoid hyperglycemia episodes as much as possible. Some research suggests that excess sugar also impairs insulin sensitivity, which refers to how responsive your body is to insulin. It is neither safer than white or brown sugar for diabetics. This article compares brown and white sugar to help…, Since diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, many people wonder if sugar can cause it. Because of the added molasses, brown sugar has a slightly higher moisture content than white granulated sugar. Coconut Sugar — A Healthy Sugar Alternative or a Big, Fat Lie. It should not be If you have diabetes, curbing your sugar intake as much as possible can improve your blood sugar control while promoting overall health. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse The presence of moisture gives brown sugar a unique texture, and the moisture does help to lower brown sugar's calorie and carbohydrate content. As with any other carbohydrate, you should carefully measure and moderate your intake of brown sugar. All worked... in the short term. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. This article…, Experts believe that excess sugar consumption is a major cause of obesity and many chronic diseases. Although many people associate brown foods with health and nutrition, brown sugar shouldn't be considered a healthy alternative to other sweeteners. People usually think of brown-colored foods as being more natural and more whole grain, and while you might consider brown sugar to be more natural than other sugars, it certainly does not get its coloration from whole grains. Copyright © Misconceptions about brown and white sugar are prevalent. Fact vs Fiction, The Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes, 4 Sugar-Free Lifestyle Changes I Made to Manage Type 2 Diabetes, What Is Muscovado Sugar? Here are 11 negative health effects of consuming…. Nonetheless, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar still contains about 52 calories and 14 grams of carbohydrate, essentially the same as granulated white sugar. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Leaf Group Ltd. , used as a substitute for professional medical advice, As such, these differences are very minor and unlikely to affect your health. Brown sugar can have a large effect on glucose levels. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the There aren't any large scale scientific results supporting the idea that brown sugar is more nutritious than white sugar. Saccharin is an artificial sweetener, which is 300 to 400 times sweeter than our regular … Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her doctoral degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Brown sugar isn't any more natural than white sugar. Both brown and white sugar are considered added sugars, which are associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and a higher risk of several chronic conditions. If you have diabetes, brown sugar is no healthier than white sugar. Brown and white sugar are composed primarily of sucrose, or table sugar (3). Despite slight differences in taste, brown and white sugar have a very similar nutrient profile and effect on blood sugar levels. In fact, brown sugar is just white sugar, made by mixing refined white sugar with molasses to give it its distinct dark color, as well as a small amount of vitamins and minerals. By adding 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to that bowl of oatmeal, you've more than doubled your total carbohydrates. Everyone — but especially people with this condition — should moderate their sugar intake for optimal health. Dr. Winston was recognized in 2012 with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Emerging Leader in Dietetics Award for the state of California. Does Sugar Cause Diabetes? any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. You can find brown sugar alternatives that serve as a more diabetic-friendly substitute for regular brown sugar because they are lower in calories and carbohydrates. Find out here what makes good sugar…, Gianetta Palmer has had type 2 diabetes for 20 years and has tried several diets in an attempt to lose weight. The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugars to under 6 teaspoons (25 grams, or 100 calories) per day for women and under 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams, or 150 calories) per day for men (10). . Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar: What’s the Difference? Gram for gram, brown sugar is slightly lower in calories and carbs than white sugar. 2020 LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Brown sugar is usually made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, which gives it a darker color and supplies a small amount of vitamins and minerals. Brown and white sugar are composed primarily of sucrose, or table sugar ().. On the glycemic index (GI), which measures to what extent certain foods increase blood sugar … Thus, people with diabetes should be especially careful with sugar intake (9). diagnosis or treatment. Brown sugar is regarded as one of the best sugars due to it's health benefits and different properties than regular crystallized white sugar. This means that both brown and white sugar increase blood sugar levels as much as foods like french fries, sweet potatoes, and popcorn. Since sugar alcohol contains carbohydrates, you'll need to count those in your diet plan if you…, Some people consider demerara sugar, which is made from sugarcane and consists of large, crunchy grains, a healthier form of sugar. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. On the glycemic index (GI), which measures to what extent certain foods increase blood sugar levels on a 0–100 scale, sucrose scores 65 (4). The glycemic index itself is a number that describes the impact of certain foods on an increase in one's blood sugar levels. Understanding their differences and health effects is especially important if you have diabetes. Moderating your intake of carb- and sugar-rich foods can support blood sugar control and minimize your long-term risk of diabetes complications (5). Uses and Substitutes, Sugar Alcohol and Diabetes: What You Need to Know, 11 Reasons Why Too Much Sugar Is Bad for You. Brown sugar has a different chemical structure and the human body reacts a little differently to this in a good way.