ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Turbinado Sugar is as Safe as Refined Sugar

    Turbinado sugar is just as safe for diabetics as refined, processed white sugar, and the taste may be preferable to some. Turbinado is a partially refined, pale-brown granulated sugar made from raw sugar cane juice that is spun in a centrifuge until most of the natural molasses is removed. According to authors of the book "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods," Michael T. Murray and Lara Pizzorno, molasses is rich in nutrients like B6, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

    On the Other: Turbinado Sugar is Identical to Refined Sugar

    The remaining molasses content of turbinado sugar is not significant enough to make it a better or worse dietary choice for diabetics. Because the nutritional composition of both sugars is identical, diabetics should use just as much caution when consuming turbinado sugar as when consuming table sugar because the effects on blood sugar and insulin levels will be the same. Roberta Larson Duyff of the American Dietetic Association states in the book, "Complete Food and Nutrition Guide" that the calorie and carbohydrate amount of raw sugar is equal to refined sugar: both contain 15 calories per teaspoon and 4 grams of carbohydrates.

    Bottom Line

    Diabetics will find no benefit in consuming turbinado sugar instead of refined sugar. Therefore turbinado sugar should not be considered safe for consumption in large quantities. As explained by Maureen Keane and Daniella Chase in their book, "What to Eat if You Have Diabetes," all forms of sugar (even natural ones like turbinado that contain slightly more vitamins and minerals) can raise blood sugar levels just as significantly and should therefore be eaten sparingly.

    Source:

    "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods;" Murray, Michael T and Pizzorno, Lisa: 2005

    "Complete Food and Nutrition Guide;" Larson Duyff, Roberta, American Dietetic Association: 2006

    "What to Eat if you have Diabetes;" Keane, Maureen and Chace, Daniella: 1999

    More Information:

    National Institutes of Mental Health: types of sugars

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