When you think of sugar, it is easy to imagine a substance rife with calories, devoid of nutrients and that it offers zero health benefits. Cane sugar is different from brown, white and refined sugar because it provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Origin
Sugar cane is grown in temperate to warm climates such as Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Cuba and parts of the Mediterranean. It can be planted year round in tropical climates, but only in the continental U.S. during the warm months.
Nutrients
Unrefined sugar cane offers a host of essential nutrients and minerals that refined and white sugars cannot. It contains magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and iron. The process of refining introduces many harmful ingredients to sugar cane, such as sulfur dioxide and phosphoric acid.
Calories
Every teaspoon of sugar cane only has 11 calories, as well as zero fat and four grams of carbohydrates.
Overall Health
Prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms are one of the many health benefits of cane sugar. It helps reduce congestion and ease sore throats.
Cane sugar also helps prevent cancers like prostate and breast cancer. Also, unlike refined sugars, sugar cane helps revitalize, energize and hydrate the body after exercise.
Warning
While cane sugar offers many benefits, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive cane sugar consumption may cause weight gain and it could promote the onset of Type II diabetes.
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