Brown sugar is made by combining molasses and refined white sugar. Whereas in the past, brown sugar was sugar from which all the natural molasses had not been completely removed, now, all the molasses is removed and put back in varying amounts to make light brown sugar and dark brown sugar. While no one could credibly claim that any kind of sugar is healthy, brown sugar has a slight edge because of nutrients in the molasses.
Calories and Fat
There are 34 calories in a tablespoon of unpacked brown sugar. Since there is no fat in this food, it is not surprising, that most of these calories some from the 8.73 g of sugar. A packed tablespoon of brown sugar is slightly more fattening than unpacked sugar, as it has 52 calories.
Protein
There is a trace of protein in a tablespoon of brown sugar. Even an entire cup of packed brown sugar contains only a mere 0.26 g of protein, which amounts to approximately .5 percent of the daily protein requirement for an adult.
Minerals
A tablespoon of brown sugar contains traces of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc. This lack of minerals is beneficial for some people. With 0 mg of phosphorus and 12 mg of potassium, brown sugar can be enjoyed by kidney patients with advanced disease who must restrict their intake of these minerals.
Vitamins
The vitamin content in brown sugar vividly demonstrates that this food provides little more than empty calories. While there are infinitesimal traces of niacin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6 in a tablespoon of brown sugar, it lacks vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the other B vitamins.
Uses
Brown sugar can be used almost anywhere you use granulated white sugar, including when you make yeasted bread from scratch. It doesn't replace confectioner's sugar, however, so stick to your original recipe when you make frostings and icings. If you are in the habit of using sugar with coffee or tea, consider experimenting with a light brown sugar.
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