When it comes to nutrition, brown sugar offers only slightly more nutrients than white sugar. It contains calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, and a high concentration of carbohydrates, more than 97% by weight. A single teaspoon of this sugar delivers 17 calories. The unique health benefits of brown sugar include its ability to boost energy levels, prevent cold, treat uterine infections, improve digestion, reduce flatulence, and aid in weight loss, just to name a few.