The theory of proper nutrition in Russia continues to gain popularity. One of the rules is a complete lack of sugar in the diet. To do this is almost impossible. This substance is used in the preparation of sauces, cocktails, baby food, yoghurts and confectionery. Adherents of proper nutrition are studying the composition of each product that falls on their table. The question arises: is sugar pure? Or is it a mixture?
Pure substance
In nature, these do not occur. It should include only one component. Matter without extraneous molecules. Such substances do not change physical properties. The task of chemists is to synthesize a pure substance. The study of the composition of matter allows in the future to apply it to the benefit of man. A one-component substance is easy to study in the laboratory.
Mixes
A compound that includes two or more components is called a mixture. For chemists, this concept means the emergence of a new composition, the properties of which change in the process of adding new components.
Sugar
Its variety depends on the plant from which it was obtained (reed, beets, maple, palm and others). After extraction of the substance, it is purified. The result is two types.
1. Unrefined sugar of brown or beige shades, the presence of plant components (molasses, various vitamins and minerals) is preserved in it. Brown or cane sugar is a mixture.
2. Refined sugar is free from herbal supplements. It is snowy white. It is sold in the form of sand or pressed cubes (served in pieces in oriental restaurants). Chemical composition: carbohydrates - 99.8 g, potassium and calcium - 3 mg each. Refined sugar is pure matter. Impurities in its composition are negligible.
To recognize a pure substance or a mixture of water with sugar dissolved in it, you can study the chemical composition. Water molecules are added to the composition of the refined matter, which means it is a mixture.
An interesting fact: refined and unrefined sugar have almost the same calorie content (387 and 380 Kcal per 100 g). This fact is not affected - is this pure substance or mixture. Brown sugar is good for your health. The body spends a lot of energy on its processing: molasses is digested in the stomach for a long time. However, for weight loss it is better not to use it as a substitute for white, despite the high glycemic index, the calorie content of dishes will not decrease.
How to distinguish refined from a mixture?
According to GOSTs, the manufacturer is entitled to write “unrefined” on the package, even if the product is refined and covered with a layer of molasses. On the shelves of chain stores in 90% of cases presented refined coated with molasses. The original reed product is recommended to be purchased directly from Indian or African producers. How to identify unrefined sugar by external signs? Is this substance or mixture pure?
A real reed product is not sugary and smells good. It has a light or dark brown shade with a splash. The mixture has a different consistency. If the refined product consists of granules and is in the form of sand or cubes, then the reed one looks like lumps. The structure is heterogeneous, the sizes of the lumps are different.
Brown sugar becomes hard outdoors. If the package with cane sugar lumps is open for a long time, they completely harden, and they can be broken by using force.
You can see the difference between pure substances and mixtures by examples: mix sugar with water or tea. When added to clear water, cane sugar makes it cloudy. If you dissolve the refined water - it will remain transparent. Real cane sugar does not melt when heated. Caramel cannot be made from it. When heated in a pan, a sticky brown substance is obtained. Real unrefined granulated sugar burns. This is because it is a mixture. Pure substance or refined sugar will melt, not burn.
Finally
Refined and unrefined sugar are very different even externally. Brown is rich in vitamins, 98% refined carbohydrates. But adherents of a healthy diet, even after finding out whether a pure substance is sugar or a mixture, are not in a hurry to get involved in this product. Calories in the body will come in the same amount.