I just received an email from my friend Helene:
Nutritional Analysis of Sucanat:
approximately one cup
* water………………………………..2.7g
* calories…………………………….570g
* carbohydrate………………………135.g
* fat……………………………………0g
* sodium……………………………..0.5mg
* potassium…………………………1,125mg
* vitamin A………………………….1600IU
* thiamin (B1)………………………0.21mg
* riboflavin (B2)…………………….0.21mg
* niacin……………………………….0.20mg
* calcium……………………………..165mg
* iron…………………………………..6.5mg
* vitamin B6………………………….0.60mg
* magnesium………………………..127mg
* zinc………………………………….2.3mg
* copper……………………………….0.3mg
* pantothenic acid………………….1.8mg
* chromium…………………………..40mcg
* phosphorus………………………..48mg
Source: USDA Handbook of Nutrient Content of Foods
Any form of sugar provides calories that are easily absorbed by the body. Lots of people are looking for the “perfect” sweetener that is sweet but has no impact on the body — not possible. White sugar is most easily absorbed by the body and spikes insulin because it is broken down into it's lowest form. But there are forms that are better than others, because they are less processed and retain some of the mineral content which slows down the body's response.
I personally use sucanat and find it to be a good sweetener. I do not, and have not for years, used white sugar or brown sugar (which is just white sugar with a little molasses thrown in). I also use evaporated cane juice crystals, also known as raw sugar, as an option when the rich flavor of sucanat would be too overwhelming for what I am making. I have heard that turbinado sugar is a good substitute for brown sugar because it does hold in some of the moisture unlike demerara or sucanat. Turbinado is also lower in calories with 11 calories per per teaspoon versus 16 calories for white sugar. As far as other sweeteners go I also use honey, maple syrup, molasses and stevia.