Pour Some Sugar On Me

Agave, white sugar, cane sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar, sucanot, maple syrup, maple sugar, honey--what sets these sugars apart?

We all love to treat ourselves to something a little sweet, but not all sweet treats are created equal. There are several different substances that can be used as sweeteners and some are healthier than others.
Sugar, the substance responsible for that wonderfully sweet taste we crave, is a naturally occurring substance found in plants and animals alike. Commonly, “sugar” refers to the tiny white granules that we add to things like coffee and cookies to give them that tempting sweetness. This added “sugar” is often referred to as a “sweetener.”
All added sweeteners are derived from a plant source. What makes some of these sweeteners healthier than others is the type and amount of processing that the sugar goes through to reach the point where it can be used as an added sweetener.
High fructose corn syrup and white sugar are among the most refined, and not coincidently the most damaging to our health. Though both of these sweeteners are derived from a “natural” plant source they are put through an extensive process to go from plant to sweetener. In the end you are left with a sweetener with an altered chemical structure and an insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. In addition, these sweeteners are often exposed to toxic chemicals and additives throughout the refinement process. Sugar in this state is void of any nutritional value and causes harm to your body as it is broken down for energy.
There are many unrefined and less refined sweeteners available that have been used for thousands of years. When plant sugars are not put through heavy and intense processing they maintain their molecular integrity, vitamins, and minerals. Sugar in this state is more easily identified by our bodies and also carries with it properties that promote digestion. Minimally refined sugars are metabolized without creating such havoc in our bodies. While some of these sweeteners are healthier than others, always remember that moderation is the key to good health.