Inflammation isn’t always bad—in fact, it’s your body’s natural defense mechanism. But when it sticks around too long, it can turn into a silent troublemaker. Chronic inflammation has been linked to everything from joint pain and fatigue to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even brain fog.

Not all sugar is created equal. While glucose syrup dominates much of today’s processed foods, cane sugar is making a comeback—and for good reason. Here are the 10 most important differences you should know.

Cane sugar is derived from the juice of the sugarcane plant. Cane sugar still contains trace minerals from the sugarcane plant—minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These may help your body better tolerate the sugar, easing the metabolic load compared to ultra-processed alternatives like glucose syrup.