Sugar: Friend or Foe? The Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The sweet flavor, or more precisely the mild or “sweet” taste, is one of the five essential flavors necessary for maintaining balance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, as with many things, it comes down to the quality and quantity consumed.

Today, many health professionals, such as hygienists, naturopaths, and nutritionists, highlight the dangers of excessive sugar intake for health. Yet, in TCM, sugar is not seen solely as an adversary but also as a remedy with medicinal properties, provided its use is moderate. To fully grasp this unique approach, it is important to understand the foundational theories of Chinese dietary practices. Unlike modern nutritional science that classifies food by vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, ancient Chinese theories classified foods based on more subtle characteristics like Jing (vital essence), tropism (the organ where the food’s effect is focused), nature (its thermal effect on the body), and flavor (its therapeutic action).

The five main flavors and their functions

‍In TCM, the primary flavors are sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty. Each flavor has a distinct action on the body and elicits specific metabolic effects. While modern science may not explicitly recognize these, their tangible impacts are well documented within TCM. Additionally, each flavor corresponds to a particular organ. Each of the five principal organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys) supports the nourishment of related tissues, meaning the flavors influence the entire body.

• Sour: Primarily impacts the liver and is associated with actions like astringency and generating body fluids.
• Bitter: Affects the heart, helping to drain excess energy and heat while reducing moisture.
• Sweet (Mild): Corresponds to the spleen, aids in nourishing, tonifying, and relaxing the body.
• Spicy: Engages the lungs, promoting circulation and dispersing stagnation.
• Salty: Linked to the kidneys, helps soften hardness and has a purging effect.

Sweet flavor’s dual role in health‍

The sweet flavor (Gan) serves as a tonic that nourishes and harmonizes. Foods with this taste contribute to energy production, blood, and body fluid generation, making staples like grains and legumes vital components of most traditional diets. Many fruits and dairy products also fall into this category, known for their ability to hydrate and soothe.

Notably, sweet flavors have a calming effect and can reduce tension, which explains why sweet foods are often sought during times of stress. The sweetness can relax spasms and ease pain, such as abdominal discomfort alleviated by cane sugar.

Clarifying Sweetness and Taste

It is essential to differentiate between the natural mild sweetness found in foods and the intense sweetness of refined sugars. The latter represents an extreme form of the sweet flavor, which can lead to excess when consumed improperly.

‍Sweet flavor’s benefits and drawbacks

In TCM, the spleen and stomach are critical for digestion and linked to the sweet flavor. While moderate consumption supports their function, overconsumption can weaken these organs and lead to imbalances such as weight gain, digestive issues, and systemic problems like sinusitis or high cholesterol. Ancient texts even caution that excessive sweetness may affect bones, hair, and muscles.

Whole Cane Sugar

‍Known in TCM as Hong Tang, whole cane sugar is valued for its therapeutic properties, especially when unrefined and naturally aromatic. Unlike commercially colored brown sugar, true whole cane sugar retains its full nutritional profile.

Medicinal Uses of Whole Cane Sugar:

• Gynecological health: Assists in conditions related to blood stasis, such as menstrual irregularities.
• Digestive aid: Helps with abdominal pain and poor appetite when combined with ingredients like mandarin peel and ginger.
• Precautions: Excessive intake can reduce appetite and lead to internal heat or dampness, so moderation is advised.

Refined Cane Sugar

Bai Tang, or refined cane sugar, is considered neutral in nature and less complex than whole cane sugar. It provides short-term relief for symptoms like abdominal pain or dry cough but should be limited to avoid issues such as obesity or chronic digestive / inflammatory problems.

‍The Balanced Approach…

In TCM, maintaining health is about balance. While excessive sugar can cause harm, it also has therapeutic benefits when used wisely. Understanding its properties and consuming it appropriately allows sugar to be an ally rather than an enemy.