Ingredient Information

Function

Pure cane sugar is used to sweeten food. It is most commonly used in baking, making desserts and beverages. Pure cane sugar can also be added to other dishes like stews, gravies, sauces, meats and vegetable preparations. Pure cane sugar is extracted from the sugarcane plant, which belongs to the scientific genus of Saccharum.

100g of pure cane sugar contains 375 calories and 100g of carbohydrates.

Other Use and Industries

Pure cane sugar is used to make ethanol. Ethanol is a biofuel.

Cane sugar is also used to flavor certain cosmetics like lip care products.

Health Effects

Pure cane sugar is a good source of energy and carbohydrates. It is alkaline in nature and helps reduce acidity.

Over-consumption of cane sugar causes weight gain that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammation. It should be avoided by diabetics as it increases blood sugar levels. Cane sugar also damages the adrenalin glands. Too much sugar intake causes tooth decay.

Origins

Sugar cane originated in the Polynesian Islands around 500BC. It then spread to India, the Middle East and Europe by the 11th century AD. Cane sugar is extracted from sugar cane syrup and refined, clarified, filtered and crystallized.