Brown Sugar Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - 24 Mantra Organic

We are generally of the belief that brown everything is better than its white analogue. For instance, brown rice is way healthier than white rice. Similarly, brown bread possesses a better nutritional profile than white bread. However, does this rule stand true for brown sugar too? Here, we have a breakdown of the brown sugar nutrition facts, its health benefits, and concerns. So now, you can decide for yourself!

Brown Sugar Nutrition Facts

Here is a table of one hundred grams of organic brown sugar nutrition facts:

As one can see from the brown sugar nutrition facts above, brown sugar is rich in elemental minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. The bump in the brown sugar nutrition facts is due to the presence of molasses, which grants it an edge above regular refined white sugar. Accordingly, the mineral content will increase or decrease depending on the type of brown sugar that you use.

Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy as evident from the brown sugar nutrition facts. It does not contain any dietary fibre, fats, or starches. Hence, the high-carbohydrate content will increase the Glycaemic Index (GI) rating of brown sugar. The GI of 100 grams of brown sugar stands at 64, while its glycaemic load (GL) is 68.

As such, the carbohydrates in brown sugar can cause a significant spike in your blood sugar levels. However, it will still be less steep than the increase caused by glucose (GI: 96) or sucrose/table sugar (GI: 68).

Health Benefits of Brown Sugar

As seen in the brown sugar nutrition facts, the presence of vitamins and minerals indicate brown sugar’s potential to benefit your body. However, most of these claims would stand true only when you use organic brown sugar. Considering that the processing of brown sugar involves a gamut of chemicals, you can only avoid it by consuming organic brown sugar. Organic brown sugar is naturally produced and sourced and is nutritionally superior to any other form of sugar.

That being said, organic brown sugar can benefit your body in the following ways:

• Brown sugar contains fewer calories and carbs than refined, white sugar. Hence, switching to brown sugar and limiting your sugar intake could prevent obesity.
• The potassium present in molasses acts as electrolytes that play a vital role to ease cramping, especially of the uterine muscles during the menstrual cycle.
• Since brown sugar is composed of simple carbohydrates, the body can easily break it down into glucose – the preferred source of energy for the brain. As such, it offers an instant energy boost.
• Brown sugar is a humectant. Thus, it is an excellent ingredient in face packs for dry skin. Additionally, its coarse, granular structure also makes it a brilliant exfoliant that scrubs away the outermost layer of dead skin.
• It contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
• It possesses a deep, caramelised flavour, which makes it a perfect sweetener in baked goods.

Potential Adverse Effects

When one looks at the brown sugar nutrition facts, it is easy to understand that the vitamins and minerals form the fine line that separates it from white sugar. Additionally, these vitamins and minerals are a result of the addition of molasses – a component that is only marginally present in brown sugar. Thus, technically, dark brown sugar would be healthier than light brown sugar. And essentially, pale brown sugar is no different than white sugar.

Accordingly, brown sugar possesses the same drawbacks as overeating refined sugar. You could have dental problems, be at risk of diabetes, lose skin elasticity, etc.

Eventually, moderation is the key to enjoying the true benefits offered by brown sugar nutrition facts.

Storage and Safety of Brown Sugar

Even though brown sugar does not get spoilt, manufacturers recommend using it up within six months of opening the package. However, it stays for 18 to 24 months in the pantry when stored properly. Ideally, you must store your brown sugar in an airtight glass jar.

If you do not plan on using the brown sugar any time soon, freeze it in an airtight bag.

By now, you have a strong understanding of brown sugar nutrition facts, its health benefits and drawbacks, and its storage. Additionally, you would have also figured out that organic brown sugar nutrition facts surpass that of regular sugar. So what else are you waiting for? Replace the white devil in your kitchen with a healthier alternative!

Try 24 Mantra Organic’s Brown Sugar and savour the taste of organic goodness.