The sugar is a body of solid features which is white and is crystallized. This type of substance is part of carbohydrates, is soluble in H2O and is characterized by its sweet taste.
The beet, the cane and other kinds of vegetables are sources that allow the production of sugar. The term is often used to refer to sucrose, which is the common sugar used in food preparation. This sucrose is a type of carbohydrate made up of a fructose molecule and another glucose molecule.
The notion of sugars is also used to name disaccharides, monosaccharides and carbohydrates in general, especially in the industrial field.
Sugar provides calories that are rated as empty, since they have no minerals or vitamins. However, it is an ingredient widely used as a sweetener to enhance the flavor of preparations.
When the sugar is heated beyond its breakdown point, caramel forms (which can be poured over the flan, for example).
Among the different types of sugar, we can name white sugar (which contains 99.5% sucrose), refined sugar (between 99.8% and 99.9% sucrose), brown or black sugar (which it crystallizes and centrifuges but is not refined, which gives it a dark color) and blond sugar (lighter than brown sugar and with a higher level of sucrose).
Brazil is the world’s leading sugar producer, followed by nations such as Argentina, China and the United States.
Myths about sugar
It is difficult to find another food product surrounded by as many myths as sugar. Four of the most common are described below, trying to find out how much reality there is in them:
* causes overweight: the truth is that weight gain occurs if excess calories are ingested, but these are obtained from sugar as well as from protein and fat. In other words, it is not due so much to the product but to the proportions in which it is consumed;
* Causes cavities: it does, but just as much as bread and other seemingly harmless foods, since the reason why cavities appear is that the bacteria that live in the mouth generate acids every time we eat carbohydrates, no matter what type. This takes place within a period of half an hour after ingestion, so it is highly advisable to brush your teeth before this process can begin.
* causes diabetes: in reality, it does not. Those who suffer from diabetes cannot assimilate sugar normally, which is why they are advised to consume it in moderate amounts. The sources of the disease do not include sugar intake, but issues such as genetics, being overweight and age.
* superiority of brown sugar over white: both varieties have, for example, the same proportion of calories for each gram of carbohydrates and in neither case are minerals, fiber or vitamins found. The only difference is that brown sugar is partially refined with a certain percentage of molasses.
Despite being able to prove that such accusations are not based on reality, this does not mean that eating sugar without any moderation will bring good results. The sweet flavor, so attractive to most people, can be enjoyed not only in chocolate bars and candy bars, but also in fruits, which also provide nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants. The combination is always the best way, since it allows you to obtain the benefits of a healthy diet while enjoying those ingredients that are not so complete but with irresistible tastes.
