Demerara sugar: using it can make your diet healthier

Having a healthier life is not so difficult, different from what many people think. A few simple habit changes can make all the difference in this process.

A substitution, for example, represents an important step to remove substances that can be harmful in the short and long term, improving the functioning of your body and reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.

One of the great villains of healthy habits is sugar. However, for those who love a sweet, cutting it can be a great difficulty, isn’t it?

But it is possible to mitigate its effects by replacing refined sugar with healthier options. And one of them is the demerara.

Difference between refined sugar and demerara

The weight loss and nutrition specialist Ana Carolina Candia clarifies the main difference between demerara sugar and other types.

“The main differences are in the taste, color and nutritional composition of each type. I can say that the darker it is, the higher the concentration of vitamins and minerals. In fact, the white color means that the sugar received chemical additives in its refining process”, explains the specialist.

3 health benefits of demerara sugar

Switching to demerara can help improve your health! Ana Carolina Candia and nutritionist Regina Teixeira help us understand the main benefits of substitution.

1. Fewer chemical additives: “the whiter the sugar, the more it received chemical additives that contribute to the intoxication of the organism”, explains Ana Carolina. That’s why the use of demerara, darker, reduces the amount of toxins ingested daily in foods prepared with this food.

2. Improvement of the immune and metabolic system: with a less intoxicated organism, the immune system works better and, consequently, the metabolism also does not slow down.

3. Higher nutritional value: “the darker it is, the greater the conservation of nutrients, as it does not receive chemical additives in its production. So brown sugar or demerara are the best options, as they have similar nutritional value and conserve nutrients”, emphasizes the nutritionist.

That is, with the exchange you can use a more natural sugar, with fewer chemical components and that harms your health less.

recommended amounts

Demerara, like other types of sugars, should also be consumed in moderation. This is because, despite their higher nutritional value, the calories between them remain the same, as Regina Teixeira points out:

“It doesn’t matter what type of sugar, whether it’s brown, demerara, crystal or refined, the calories are the same. In other words, 1 g is equivalent to 4 calories. Thus, there is a need to control the daily consumption”, explains the nutritionist.

Even demerara can cause problems due to its glycemic index if overconsumption occurs.

There is no estimated recommended amount, as the ideal would be not to use any sugar, as specialist Ana Carolina Candia points out. However, for those who cannot do without it, it is necessary to have moderation in its use.

Nutritionist Regina Teixeira gives the tip: “Consumption should be guided and only added when necessary. That is, whenever possible try to eat the food without adding it. Opt for substitutions like honey, raisins and dates in recipes.”

Contraindications and warnings about consumption

Demerara sugar, such as crystal and refined sugar, should not be used by those who have restrictions on this substance, especially diabetics and those who already have insulin resistance. In this case, sweeteners should be used. Regina recommends: “Sweeteners or sweeteners are options for those who want to restrict their daily amount of sugar. Opt for stevia or xylitol.”

The exaggerated consumption of demerara can bring, in addition to the risk of developing diabetes, other damages, as Ana Carolina emphasizes: “the most easily noticed is weight gain. With the extra pounds, the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases increase, for example.”

That’s why it’s important to replace it, yes, but carefully, okay? This way you will be able to keep your health up to date without missing the chance to continue eating your sweets. Share this post on your social networks and share this content with your friends!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.