Sucanat: Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides, and How to Use

Just like regular granulated sugar, sucanat is a product of natural sugar cane juice.

Sucanat is prepared by extracting sugar cane juice, boiling it, and then beating it with paddles to make granules. It does not undergo any refinement process unlike sugar, so it contains molasses in it, which gives it the characteristic brown color.

However, to produce granulated sugar, sugarcane juice is chemically purified before boiling, and the crystals are then separated from the liquid using centrifugal machinery. Finally, the process is largely repeated in the refinery, producing granulated sugar, which includes an extra step that decolorizes the crystals.

While ordinary cane sugar is chemically and physically processed to make regularly formed and homogeneous crystals, sucanat's minimum processing results in granules that are uneven in size and shape.

Sucanat also contains the following nutrients:

• Potassium
• Vitamin A
• Calcium
• Magnesium

Sucanat is produced through minimal processing, so it has more flavor than regular white sugar, which undergoes extensive refining. Because it is more flavorful, you will require less sucanat to obtain the desired sweetness. Sucanat is a great sugar substitute for baking goods.

Sucanat gets its characteristic color and flavor from molasses. Although it may be used in place of white or brown sugar in most recipes, it works best in recipes that call for brown sugar, such as:

• Gingerbread
• Carrot cake
• Spice cookies
• Rich chocolate desserts
• Marinades

Sucanat has the same number of calories as table sugar, honey, and maple syrup, but it contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Sucanat should be used in moderation.

1. Contains healthy components
   • Provides some amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
   • Sucanat and other sugars can be beneficial components of a well-balanced diet. There is no indication that humans should cease eating sugar entirely.
   • The American Heart Association suggests limiting your intake of added sugar.
   • Women should limit their daily caloric intake from sugar to 100 calories or about 6 tablespoons. Men can eat up to 150 calories per day, which is about 9 teaspoons.
2. Supports brain function
   • To operate, the human body requires glucose.
   • To nourish its numerous cells, the brain consumes almost half of the body's glucose requirement.
   • A high supply of glucose to the brain boosted mental performance in experiments with youngsters, particularly on long, challenging tasks.
   • Sucanat is half glucose, therefore it easily provides energy to the brain.

Though sucanat is a better alternative to white sugar, it is not healthy food. Sucanat contains just trace minerals and is a poor supplier of other nutrients. Sugar has no significant nutrients and just adds empty calories to the diet.

Sucanat and sugar have similar calories and must not be consumed in excess.

According to the American Heart Association, consumption of excess added sugars, whether in the form of sucanat or any other nutritive sweetener, can contribute to:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic health issues