What do migration, medicine, and social power all have in common?

Sugar.

Sugar and the demand for it, has been a major demographic force in world history. Due to sugar, millions of people migrated to the New World from Europe and Africa, particularly to South America and the Caribbean. Sugar was also a top motive behind the population increase of dozens of ethnic groups across the Pacific islands, ranging from Hawaii to Fiji.

Besides land, gold and jewels, Europe’s high-ranking officials and nobility used sugar as a way to validate rank and social power until the late 1700’s.

Ancient texts written between the 10^th and 14^th centuries have also proved that sugar was used as an important medicinal ingredient. Thomas Aquinas wrote about sugar in the 12th century, stating the following:

“Though they are nutritious themselves, sugared spices are nonetheless not eaten with the end in mind of nourishment, but rather ease of digestion; accordingly, they do not break the fast any more than taking any other medicine.”

As you can see, sugar has been much more than just a coffee shop essential or your everyday sweetener.

You can get more sugar fun facts from the official Florida Crystals® site as well as receive tasty recipes by following Florida Crystals on Twitter and Facebook!

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