Are You Feeding White Sugar to Your Family? Then You Might be Feeding Them Poison, Just Disguised as Sweetness.

Are You Feeding White Sugar to Your Family? Then You Might be Feeding Them Poison, Just Disguised as Sweetness.
Oct, 27 , 25 Faisal Qureshi

White Sugar is a Poison!

We’ve all heard it, “Cut down on sugar!” But few of us stop to ask, which sugar are we talking about? The truth is, not all sweetness is created equal. The white, sparkly sugar in your kitchen, though tempting, is often the result of heavy chemical refining that strips away nutrients and leaves behind nothing but empty calories. Meanwhile, our good old desi shakkar (unrefined cane sugar) quietly holds the crown for being the more wholesome, natural option.

Let’s dive into what really goes into making that white sugar look so “pure,” and why desi shakkar might just be your body’s sweeter best friend.

A portion of refined sugar on spoon

White Sugar (Refined Sugar)

White sugar is produced by extracting juice from sugarcane and refining it using chemicals like sulfur dioxide, phosphoric acid, and calcium hydroxide to remove molasses and impurities. What remains is pure sucrose i.e. sweet but stripped of nutrients.

What These Chemicals Do to Our Body

1. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

Where it’s used: As a preservative and bleaching agent in sugar processing.
Side effects:

  • Respiratory irritation — can trigger asthma or breathing issues in sensitive people.
  • Allergic reactions — may cause coughing, throat irritation, or headaches.
  • Long-term exposure — can inflame airways and affect lung health.
  • Especially harmful for children, asthmatics, and people with sulfite sensitivity.

2. Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)

Where it’s used: Common in soft drinks and food processing for acidity regulation.
Possible side effects:

  • Tooth erosion — weakens enamel over time (the same reason soda harms teeth).
  • Bone health issues — excessive phosphorus can deplete calcium, weakening bones.
  • Kidney strain — stresses kidneys and causes mineral imbalances.
  • Gut irritation — may lead to acidity or stomach discomfort.

3. Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

Where it’s used: Also known as slaked lime, used in food refining, pickles, and tortillas.
Possible side effects:

  • Highly alkaline — can irritate the mouth, throat, or stomach if consumed in excess.
  • Calcium imbalance — affects muscles and nerve function.
  • If not food-grade, may contain harmful impurities.

Desi Shakkar (Unrefined Cane Sugar)

Desi shakkar is made simply by boiling sugarcane juice until it thickens, solidifies, and is then dried and powdered. No chemicals, no bleaching, no refining, it’s just pure, natural sweetness. It retains its golden-brown color and essential minerals that are lost in white sugar processing.

Health Benefits of Desi Shakkar

  1. Rich in Minerals
    Retains iron, calcium, and magnesium — vital for healthy blood and strong bones.
  2. Boosts Immunity
    Used in traditional Ayurvedic practices to strengthen immunity and fight fatigue, especially in winter.
  3. Aids Digestion
    A small pinch after meals helps improve digestion and prevent acidity.
  4. Natural Energy Booster
    Unlike white sugar that spikes and crashes your blood sugar, shakkar releases energy gradually and steadily.

When our elders insisted on using desi shakkar instead of white sugar, they weren’t just being old-fashioned in fact they were being wise. Sometimes, tradition knows what science is only just catching up to.

 

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