What are the functions and benefits of rock sugar?
Sep 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, as a common seasoning and ingredient, rock sugar has functions and effects including energy supplementation, moistening the lungs and promoting saliva production, harmonizing flavors, relieving dry mouth, and assisting in improving cough symptoms. When using rock sugar, attention should be paid to controlling the amount consumed to avoid excessive intake leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, long-term and excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent an increased risk of dental caries.
Generally speaking, as a common seasoning and ingredient, rock sugar has several functions and benefits, including energy replenishment, moistening the lungs and promoting body fluid production, harmonizing flavors, relieving dry mouth, and assisting in alleviating coughs. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Energy replenishment: The main component of rock sugar is sucrose, which can be broken down into glucose and fructose in the body to quickly supply energy. It is suitable for consumption when experiencing excessive physical exertion, hunger, or hypoglycemia, effectively relieving symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness and helping restore physical strength.
2. Moisturizing the lungs and promoting body fluids: Rock sugar is cool in nature and sweet in taste, possessing the function of moistening the lungs and promoting the production of body fluids. For symptoms such as dry throat and hoarseness caused by dry climates or excessive internal heat in the lungs, moderate consumption of rock sugar can moisturize the throat and lungs, replenish body fluids, and reduce feelings of dryness and discomfort.
3. Harmonizing flavors: During cooking or beverage preparation, rock sugar can neutralize bitterness in ingredients and add a clean, sweet taste, making food and drinks more palatable. Additionally, its mild sweetness is not overpowering, making it suitable for pairing with various ingredients to enhance flavor.
4. Relieving dry mouth: When experiencing dry mouth due to dehydration or being in a dry environment, consuming a small amount of rock sugar can stimulate saliva secretion, moisturize oral mucous membranes, and quickly alleviate dryness in the mouth. It is especially suitable for temporarily relieving oral dryness caused by excessive talking or insufficient water intake.
5. Assisting in alleviating coughs: For mild coughs caused by lung heat or dry cough with little phlegm, rock sugar may help relieve cough symptoms through its lung-moistening effects. It is often stewed together with ingredients such as pears and lily bulbs, helping soothe the lungs, reduce irritation of the respiratory tract, and alleviate coughing, thereby promoting easier breathing.
When using rock sugar, attention should be paid to controlling the amount consumed to avoid excessive intake leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, long-term and excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent an increased risk of dental caries. Maintaining a balanced diet is more beneficial for overall health.
