Get to know refined sugar and various other types of sugar

Refined sugar has a whiter color and a higher level of purity than white sugar that is commonly used by the public. In addition to these two types of sugar, there are several other types of sugar that need to be known. Raw sugar is sucrose which is synthesized from sugar cane and cannot be consumed directly. After being processed again, raw sugar will turn into refined sugar (refined sugar). In processing to become refined sugar, the content of molasses or thick 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 looking than raw sugar. Besides refined sugar, there are still other types of sugar, including:

• Granulated sugar, which is the sugar most commonly used as a sweetener in food, drinks, or as a preservative in products such as jam.
• Brown sugar, which is brown sugar due to a mixture of the remaining liquid sugar or granules which are deliberately mixed with liquid sugar.
• Low calorie sugar, which is sugar made from maltodextrin. Synthetic substances that are easily digested include aspartame, stevia, saccharin, or sucralose.
• Liquid sugar, which is sugar made from about 60 percent sugar which is 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 sugar cane drops and is commonly used to contain rum drinks.

Apart from the several types of sugar above, there are still many kinds of sugar sold on the market. This sugar is also used in the process of making cakes as a developer, giving texture and color, as well as helping 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 to become energy. But consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on the body. Negative effects include:

• Malnutrition

People who often eat sweet foods and drinks tend to skip nutritious foods, so the risk of experiencing malnutrition.

• Triglyceride levels increase

Consuming too much sugar can increase triglyceride levels in blood vessels and fat tissue, the risk of heart problems increases.

• Causes obesity

Consuming too much sugar risks causing a buildup of calories which results in obesity or being overweight.

• Increase the risk of diabetes

Apart from causing obesity which is a risk factor for diabetes, sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate that can increase blood sugar quickly, so that it can increase the risk of diabetes.

• Causes tooth decay

Sugar can cause a buildup of bacteria which increases the risk of cavities, especially if you don't keep your teeth clean.

How to Reduce Sugar Consumption

Even though you risk a negative effect, you don't need to eliminate sugar from your diet completely. There are alternatives that can be undertaken to replace excessive sugar consumption, including:

• Choose fruit juices from real fruit without other mixes. Avoid packaged fruit juices or fruit-flavored syrups because they contain more sugar.
• If you are accustomed to eating cereals, choose those that contain less sugar. You can read the sugar content in the product packaging.
• Consume more mineral water than flavored drinks, like soda, energy drinks, tea or coffee.
• Instead of ice cream, sweet cakes, or pies, it's better to choose fresh cut fruit as a snack or dessert.
• Artificial sweeteners may be used as an alternative to sugar, especially for people with diabetes.

Carefully choose products labeled 'sugar free'. This kind of label cannot be interpreted that the product is truly sugar free, both natural sugar and refined sugar. Look for names like malt syrup, corn syrup, cane juice, cane syrup, corn sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, honey, molasses, and nectars, all of which are sweeteners that can contain sugar as well.