A question that came my way from a reader in my post on Rawlicious Foods has led me to write about sugar. I understand that white sugar, the highly processed "stripped model" sugar that most everyone in America has been used to cooking with, has some serious dangers attached to its prolonged use and overuse. It has become a widely known fact that sugar in its white form is hard on the pancreas, let alone causing obesity, yeast infections and other such maladies.
For many years, I struggled with health issues that led me to discover that white sugar, as well as white flour and other processed junk were ruining my health. I studied and read reliable sources and began using whole grain flours, chiefly wheat and spelt, since the wheat we use in America does cause allergies in some people while spelt is easier digested by the body.
I discovered, in my search for a substitute for white sugar, evaporated cane juice. I do not know if this is all that good or you, but it is better than white sugar. I use maple syrup and honey or agave (which is raw and doesn't crystalize like honey does over time), all which our bodies process much slower than pure white sugar. In answer to the question about cane juice: Evaporated cane juice can be bought at most health food stores that sell food, or as "raw" or "demerra" sugar in bulk food or grocery stores. It is grainier and browner than white sugar but it dissolves in most things ok. If you are mixing it into grape juice or other such things, you may want to just use a liquid sweetner such as maple syrup.
While sugar is sometimes pleasing to the taste, we do well to limit the intake of that substance in our bodies. Cutting out things like sodas and other highly sweetened drinks and baked goods are several good ways to turn unhealthy habits into good ones.
I have never regretted turning myself away from white sugar and flour. In fact, it has been a blessing to my health these 8 years since I quit. I do not crave sugar nearly so much and when I do, I try to go for a piece of fruit or a cup of freshly pressed juice, knowing they are so much better for my health than a can of soda or a brownie would be. (I still do allow that brownie or chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven on occasion but I do try to make them with my own ingredients and altered recipes. That way I know that I'm getting whole grains, non hydrogenated oils-I might do another write up about them someday soon- and better sugars besides baking soda without aluminum, etc.) Don't kid yourself. Going the extra mile in your eating routines is well worth it. Plus, it helps you to take care of the precious gift of life and health given by Almighty God and you in turn are better able to fill the capacity He created just for you to fill in your lifetime.
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