Monday Morning Review: #Balance Your Life with Heart
Today marks the beginning of a new feature I am adding to the Monday Morning Review and I’m excited to share it with you. I’ve teamed up with some pretty incredible ladies to offer a few ways to bring balance to your life. Our goal is to to share information on four different blogs on how to bring balance with Spirit, Mind, Body and Heart.
Spirit is represented by Heather @ My Sweet Mission. Visit her to see what great wisdom she is sharing today.This week Heather addresses Overcoming Fear.
Body will be represented by Caroline @ Fit Pink Mom. She shares simple exercises to to get the body moving. Caroline is sharing some awesome Stretching Exercises anyone can do.
I represent Heart @ Pure Grace Farms and will be sharing healthy recipes and ideas with an emphasis on whole food. I love sharing with you what’s going on in my kitchen! Today I am sharing Raw Sugar: Whole Food or Hoax.
Mind comes from Christina and Millie @ 2 Crochet Hooks sharing easy crafts you can make from items found in the home, great book reviews, fun games and activities to build memory. Fun stuff, you won’t want to miss. Millie and Kristina are sharing a great post on Positive Thinking.
I hope Balance your Life enriches your experience here at Pure Grace Farms and you take the opportunity to see the great ideas from all four blogs that may help to bring balance to your life. Have fun and enjoy!
Raw Sugar: Whole Food or Hoax?
Recently the question came up; is raw sugar a whole food? I too have wondered about this question, so I decided to do some research to find out the answer. Since I’m not an expert, I pulled together a review of sorts from those that are much more knowledgeable than I. Here’s what I discovered.
Let’s start from the beginning.
What is raw sugar?
Raw sugar is cane sugar which has been minimally processed. The precise definition varies, depending on who you talk to. Adherents to a raw food diet, for example, may have very specific definitions which involve temperature and handling, while others may view any sort of lightly refined sugar as raw sugar. In all cases, raw sugar is the product of the first stage of the cane sugar refining process. ~ What is Raw Sugar: Wise Geek
What is Evaporated Cane Sugar?
Evaporated cane sugar is the juice that comes from the sugarcane. The juice from the cane is then processed in various ways to achieve evaporation, leaving only sugar crystals behind.
The Benefits of Natural Cane Sugar
The natural sugar cane is brimming with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fibers, and phytonutrients that help the body digest the naturally occurring sugars. The minerals required to digest sugar are calcium, phosphorous, chromium, magnesium, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc and manganese. It also contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which work synergistically with the minerals to nourish the body. ~ ProcessedFreeAmerica.Org
Processing Sugar Cane
Putting the organic issue aside, it is important to note that all raw sugar and evaporated cane sugar is not the same. The way the cane sugar is processed makes a huge difference on how much of the nutrients from the sugar cane is left behind. As with any other fruit or vegetable, high heat processing destroys vitamins and minerals, leaving the sugar devoid of any nutritional benefit. Most manufacturing of sugar cane in the United States uses high heat processing. The “raw sugar” sold in our grocery stores and in most food products that list “evaporated cane sugar” most likely use a form of high heat processing. Unfortunately because of the processing technique, much of our “natural” products are devoid of the benefits the natural sugar cane has to offer.
Rapadura Picture by ProcessedFreeAmerica.Org
Raw Sugar as a Whole Food
The good news is there are products manufactured outside of the US that do not use the high heat process so prevalent in the United States. To enjoy Pure Cane Sugar as a whole food it is best to prepare your own whole foods when possible using a low heat processed evaporated pure cane sugar.
- Rapadura / Sucranat – Made by extracting juice with a press and then stirring the juice with paddles while the water evaporates over very low heat Sometimes comes in brick form, but most often has been put through a fine sieve producing a very dark grainy brown colored sugar.
Raw Sugar Refined: The Great Hoax
Other types of so-called “natural” sugars on the market like Muscavado, Turbinado, Demarara, wrongly called “Evaporated Cane Juice and Evaporated Cane Sugar”, Sugar in the Raw, and Organic Raw Sugar are all refined, though not as much as white sugar. They are all boiled, dehydrated into crystals, then spun in a centrifuge so the crystals are separated from the molasses. The clarifying process is usually done with chemicals, although sometimes through pressure filtration. The crystals are then reunited with some of the molasses in artificial proportions to produce sugars of varying colors of brown. ~ ProcessedFreeAmerica.Org
Conclusion
It is good to remember that sugar is still sugar and should be used in moderation. I am not recommending that by buying Rapadura or Sucranat one now has a license to use sugar in huge quantities. We all know that this is not healthy no matter the nutrients that may be gleaned from it. What I do believe is that these minimally refined sugars can take their place along with honey and maple syrup when needed. As with everything else, moderation is key.
Resources:
The Skinny on Evaporated Cane Juice: ProcessedFreeAmerica.Org
What is Raw Sugar: Wise Geek
Raw Sugar: Whole Food or Hoax? shared with:
Creative K Kids: Bloggers Brags * Plucky’s Second Thought *Yesterfood: Treasure Box Tuesday * April J Harris: Hearth and Soul Blog Hop * Lou Lou Girls: Lou Lou Girls *Back to the Basics: Tuesdays with a Twist *Southern Beauty: Let’s Be Friends *The Ultimate Linky: Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop *Creative K Kids: Tasty Tuesdays *Simply Sweets: Party in Your PJ’s *Jordon’s Onion: Thank Goodness it’s Thursday * The Pin Junkie: Pin Junkie Pin Party * Juggling Real Food and Real Life: Let’s Get Real *Feathers in the Woods: Green Thumb Thursday Snippets of Inspiration: *Weekend Wind-Down *In the Kitchen with Jenny: Foodie Friends Friday *Natasha in Oz: Say G’day *Our Rosey Life: Share it Sunday *Life with Garnish: Teach Me Tuesday
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Thanks again Shari for sharing your knowledge with us at the Teach Me Tuesday Linky Party!
Adrian recently posted…Merry Monday Link Party #20
Always a pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Wow! Thanks for the info. I didn’t realize that raw sugar was processed in this way. I try to eat heathy and sugar is used sparingly in our house. I will be switching to sucanet and continue to look for ways to cut back on sugar. Very intersting read. Thanks!
I have been substituting Sucranat for about a month now and I love it. The cane sugar is a little denser and has a richer flavor. For my fall cooking it has been great and a good alternative to honey when I don’t want the honey to overpower what I’m making. Thanks for stopping by sis. I look forward to seeing all the changes in your kitchen and my next visit!
Blessings,
Shari
Great article! Pinned.It’s always a pleasure to have you be a part of our party. Please take a minute tonight at 7 pm, to party with us! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Lou Lou Girls recently posted…Top 5 Things I Did/Wish I Did As A Teacher
Love your party and am hoping to make it this evening. Always a great time.
Blessings,
Shari
Very nice post, yes raw sugar has more benefits than the processed one. still it is sugar, thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop.
swathi recently posted…Sarkara varatti/ Sarkara Upperi : Sweet Plantain Chips
Thanks Swathi, I like knowing that when I do have to use sugar I can feel a little better about using some that has a little nutritional benefit.
Blessings,
Shari
Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
My Pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Thanks for the info!
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed it.
Blessings,
Shari
Excellent post and very informative. Now I know what I need to buy. I did not realize that raw cane sugar was processed. Thanks so much for sharing on Real Food Fridays blog hop.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #54 – Journey To Health
Thanks Marla, There is always some processing going on with sugar to get it to the state where we can use it. The biggest determining factor on whether some of the good stuff is left in the cane sugar is HOW it is being processed. I had no idea before I started researching that many of the products were not really “raw”. I appreciate you stopping by and I love coming to your party.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari I really enjoyed reading this. I am trying to cut out alot of sugar in things I cook because, I think, it makes my two little boys overly crazy. It’s good to know there are other options out there. Thank you for linking up to Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesdays! I’ll be pinning this on my personal good to know board as well as the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board
Sydney @ Tastefully Frugal recently posted…Friday Pie Day With A Little Bacon
Thanks Sydney. I am glad you enjoyed it. I learned a lot when I was doing the research. I felt pretty silly to know that I had been taken in for so long. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing too.
Blessings,
Shari
This is very informative. Thanks.
I like your perspective that sugar is sugar and needs to be eaten in moderation regardless of how it is processed. While I absolutely love sugar, I do try to eat it in moderation, and use whole fruit for sweetness where I can.
Julie V. recently posted…Glazed Applesauce Cookies
Thanks Julie. I like having options. 🙂
Blessings,
Shari
What a great post! I didn’t realize any of this!
Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!
Jess recently posted…Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Vitamix Breakfast Smoothie
Thanks Jess. I appreciate you coming by.
Blessings,
Shari
What a great series, wonderful post today and always so informative! I really appreciate your research and all your hard word to help us be a bit more healthy. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie. “Balance your life” is going to be fun. We had great posts this week with information I know I needed. I especially liked “Overcoming Fear” @ My Sweet Mission. Words I need to hear now and again. I appreciate you stopping in. Have a great week.
Blessings,
Shari
I love this post… So informative! There is so much “information” out there that is misleading and there’s always a new nutritional fad. The way you broke it down is so helpful. Thank you!
Caroline recently posted…Balance Your Life
I am glad you enjoyed it and that I was able to get my point across. I never know when I am writing if it will click with my readers. I do appreciate you stopping in and taking a moment to share. It means a lot.
Blessings,
Shari
I had no idea there was really a difference! I am so addicted to sugar but working on breaking those chains! At least now I can make a healthier choice!
Kristina and Millie recently posted…A Balance Your Life #1 Collaborative Post
I do well with sugar when I stay away from big doses. That first bite of sugar always starts the cravings. It’s a tough habit to break.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Such good information- thanks, Shari! Good grief- all the high heat and chemicals…it’s a wonder we get any nutrition at all. Pinned!
True that. I am slowly switching over to unrefined cane sugars and whole wheat white flour. Even if it doesn’t make a huge difference, I know I feel better.Thanks for coming by.
Blessings,
Shari
Sugar has always been the trying issue in an effort to improve the quality of what we eat. As you mentioned above, sometimes honey or maple syrup just won’t work and a dry sugar is needed. I’ve always opted for Sucanat as the best “dry” option, with Turbinado second. Even if it is not the absolute best, it is still better than refined white sugar.
I made a pear cake today and used only Sucanat. I loved the molasses type flavor it added to my cake. I am slowly ridding my house of white sugar altogether. A slow process, one day at a time.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari, this is really great information on raw sugar and was well written. I try to use natural ingredients as much as possible, but I agree, everything in moderation.
Thanks for sharing and have a nice day!
Heather
MySweetMission.net
Heather @ My Sweet Mission recently posted…Balance Your Life Week 1 – Overcoming Fear
Thanks Heather. I had no idea the differences until I started looking for answers. I appreciate you stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari,
Growing up we visiting a sugar cane farms several times and I got to pick and chew on a large piece of cane sugar. I really did not know about Raw sugar and the differences. I do know to eat it in moderation which is where I have a lot of problem. I bake a lot and have always say I am going to try to use a “healthier” sugar.
Thanks for the information.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
With all the cooking, preserving and putting up I do, honey or maple syrup is not always an option. I also have a family that doesn’t always want the healthiest options. It is important for me to find some type of sugar I can feel better about using. I know the argument that sugar is sugar and once in our bodies it all breaks down to glucose is true, but If I can use something unrefined and more in it’s pure and natural state, for me this is definitely the better option.
Blessings,
Shari
Right! Sugar is sugar. But I never use it. I only stick to pure stevia if I need sweetness.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Power Monday #59 Running Free
That’s right, it is all still sugar. Some just have a little more nutritive value and less processing than others. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
I truly didn’t know much about this. I mean I know to eat sugar in moderation, but still wasn’t exactly sure the difference between raw sugar or sugar cane. So, thank you for the bit of education on this today. Wonderful new series. Happy Monday and Labor Day, too!! 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…Worst Mom for Kindergarten Orientation
I am glad you learned a bit today. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari