Ask the Diva: Is Making Your Own Sugar Worth It?
Is making your own sugar really worth the trouble? Nutrition Diva has the answer.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. In an effort to provide more nutritious foods for my family, I’ve been thinking about trying to make my own evaporated cane juice. Would there be any difference in the glycemic index relative to white or raw sugar crystals?
Answer. I certainly admire your desire to feed your family the most nutritious foods possible. And I salute your D-I-Y spirit! But I have to admit that making your own evaporated cane juice reminds me a little bit of a hilarious Saturday Night Live send-up of Martha Stewart in which she starts a landscaping project by making her own dirt. Will you also be growing your own sugar cane?
Don’t take my gentle kidding in the wrong spirit. I’m also one of those people who loves a do-it-yourself challenge—the more arcane and needlessly complicated, the better. I once brewed my own Worcestershire sauce from scratch, just to see how it was done!
There really wouldn’t be any meaningful difference in the glycemic impact or nutritional value of homemade evaporated cane juice vs. regular white sugar. So, I’m not sure this is really worth your time, unless it’s just for fun.
And if you do try this at home, I’d love to hear all about it at nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email or on the Nutrition Diva Facebook page.
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Sugar Cubesopens IMAGE file photo from Shutterstock.
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.