As a common sweetener in daily life, white sugar is widely used in cooking and baking. It is mainly made from sugar cane or sugar beet extraction, and its production process involves a series of physical and chemical treatment steps. While white sugar adds sweetness to food, excessive intake has potential negative health effects. This article will introduce the production process of white sugar in detail and analyze it from a nutritional point of view.
White sugar is made from two main ingredients: sugar cane and sugar beets. Both plants are rich in sucrose.
In the case of sugar cane, pressing is first carried out to extract the sugary juice;In the case of sugar beets, it is necessary to chop them first and then extract the sugar through warm water.
The extracted juice is treated with lime and carbon dioxide to remove impurities, and then by evaporation to remove water and concentrate into a syrup.
The syrup is further heated and evaporated, causing the sucrose to crystallize. The crystallized mixture is separated by a centrifuge to obtain raw sugar.
Raw sugar undergoes a series of refining processes, including dissolution, filtration, decolorization, and recrystallization, to finally obtain pure white sugar.
White sugar mainly provides carbohydrates, mainly sucrose, which is fast energy**.
Most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are removed during the refining process, making white sugar an "empty calorie"**
Excessive intake of white sugar has been linked to health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It is recommended to limit daily sugar intake.
Consider using foods that contain natural sugars, such as fruits, or low-calorie sweeteners as alternatives.
Pursue a balanced diet and increase your intake of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and protein.
As a universal sweetener, the production process of white granulated sugar involves multiple steps from raw material extraction to final product. Understanding the production process and nutritional value of white sugar can help us deal with daily sugar intake more scientifically. Controlling the use of white sugar and adopting healthy dietary Xi are essential for maintaining long-term health.