Refined sugar has a whiter color and a higher level of purity than granulated sugar commonly used by the public. In addition to these two types of sugar, there are several other types of sugar that you need to know.
Raw sugar is sucrose which is synthesized from sugar cane and cannot be consumed directly. After processing, raw sugar will turn into refined sugar (refined sugar). In the processing to become refined sugar, the molasses or viscous liquid containing sugar has been removed first.
Refined Sugar and Other Types of Sugar
Refined sugar is sugar that has gone through a long process before it can be consumed daily. Refined sugar is widely used in various industries because it is purer and cleaner in appearance than raw sugar.
Apart from refined sugar, there are other types of sugar, including:
- Granulated sugar, which is the sugar most commonly used as a sweetener in foods, beverages, or as a preservative in products such as jam.
- Brown sugar, which is brown sugar due to a mixture of remaining liquid sugar or granules that are intentionally mixed with liquid sugar.
- Low-calorie sugar, which is sugar made from maltodextrin. These easily digestible synthetic substances include aspartame, stevia, saccharin, or sucralose.
- Liquid sugar, which is sugar made from about 60 percent of granulated sugar dissolved in water. This sugar is quite dangerous because it contains high calories.
- Molasses, which is a by-product of sugar processing. This ingredient is also known as molasses and is generally used to contain rum drinks.
In addition to the several types of sugar above, there are still many kinds of sugar sold in the market. This sugar is also used in the baking process as a developer, texture and color giver, and helps the fermentation process.
Risk of Health Problems Due to Too Much Sugar
All types of sugar, both natural sugar and refined sugar are carbohydrates that the body uses for energy. But consuming too much sugar can have a negative effect on the body. The negative effects include:
- Experiencing malnutritionPeople who often consume sugary foods and drinks tend to skip nutritious foods, so they are at risk for malnutrition.
- Increased triglyceride levelsConsuming too much sugar can increase triglyceride levels in blood vessels and fatty tissue, increasing the risk of heart problems.
- Cause obesityConsuming too much sugar is at risk of causing a buildup of calories which can lead to obesity or being overweight.
- Increase the risk of diabetesIn addition to causing obesity which is a risk factor for diabetes, sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate that can increase blood sugar quickly, thus increasing the risk of diabetes.
- Causes tooth decaySugar can lead to a buildup of bacteria that increases the risk of cavities, especially if you don't keep your teeth clean.
How to Reduce Sugar Consumption
Although there is a risk of negative effects, you do not need to eliminate sugar from the diet completely. There are alternatives that can be taken to replace excessive sugar consumption, including:
- Choose fruit juices from real fruit without other mixtures. Avoid packaged fruit juices or fruit-flavored syrups because they contain more sugar.
- If you are used to eating cereal, choose one that contains less sugar. You can read the sugar content on the product packaging.
- Consume more mineral water than flavored drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, tea or coffee.
- Instead of ice cream, sweet cakes, or pies, opt for fresh cut fruit as a snack or dessert.
- Artificial sweeteners may be used as an alternative to sugar, especially for people with diabetes.
Be careful choosing products labeled 'sugar free'. This kind of label does not mean that the product is completely free of sugar, be it natural sugar or refined sugar. Pay attention to names like malt syrup, corn syrup,cane juice, cane syrup, corn sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, honey, molasses and nectar, they are all sweeteners which can contain sugar too.