What Nutrients Are In Organic Sugar?

What Nutrients Are in Organic Sugar?

Jul 16, 2010 | By Krista Ulatowski

While cutting out sugar from the diet may not be feasible for most, one step in the right direction is to opt for organic, unrefined sugars as a replacement. Organic sugars contain trace amounts of nutrients and minerals, such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Processed, refined white sugar, on the other hand, is devoid of any nutrient benefit.

Phosphorus

Found mostly in the bones and teeth, phosphorus assists with the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and protein for conversion into ATP, the cell’s energy source. Phosphorus also is key for muscle, kidney, heart and nerve function. Sources of phosphorus include protein and dairy, and nearly 30 percent of dietary intake comes from food additives, according to “Nutrition” by Insel, Turner and Ross.

Calcium

Calcium is needed for bone maintenance and repair, muscle function, blood vessel dilation and contraction, hormone secretion and nervous system operation. Common dietary sources of calcium include dairy products such as milk and cheese; non-dairy sources include tofu, spinach and kale. Many foods such as breads and orange juice are calcium-fortified.

Iron

Iron, another mineral found in small amounts in organic sugar, is essential to cell health and delivery of oxygen to our cells via the hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Iron can be found in both animal and plant forms such as beef, chicken and turkey; soybeans, black beans and pinto beans. Iron absorption is reduced by foods considered to be low-nutrient-density foods—those high in calories and low in nutrients.

Magnesium

Biochemical reactions within the body require magnesium, and the mineral is essential to nerve, muscle, bone, heart and immune system health. The majority of magnesium is stored in bone. Whole grains, legumes, nuts and green vegetables are nutritional sources of magnesium.

Potassium

Cells, tissues and nerves rely on potassium for optimum health, as do the heart, muscles and bones. Meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, and legumes are solid sources of this nutrient; try bananas, cantaloupe and avocados for a potassium boost. Although the body does need these five key minerals for body functions and processes, it is wise to get them from their proper sources, not by taking an extra spoonful of organic sugar.