Top 5 Reasons Why Jaggery Should Replace Sugar in Your Pantry
In today’s world, where artificial and processed foods have taken center stage, jaggery, a traditional and natural sweetener, emerges as a beacon of health and wellness. From the pristine farms of Asia to the trending health cafes of the West, jaggery is making a triumphant return, and for a good reason. As the global populace grows more health-conscious, the shift from refined sugar to jaggery is more than just a trend – it’s a revolution.
But why should one make the switch? Let’s delve into five compelling reasons to choose jaggery over sugar.
Rich Nutritional Profile of Jaggery
Unlike the refining process of white sugar, which strips away essential nutrients, jaggery retains its minerals and vitamins. This unrefined sweetener is rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamin B. Its complex nutritional profile ensures that it does not just add sweetness but also delivers a bounty of health benefits. So, while you enjoy that delightful dessert, your body receives a dose of essential nutrients (1).
Jaggery is a Gut-Friendly
Ancient Ayurvedic practices vouch for jaggery’s ability to boost digestion. Consuming a small piece after a meal has been a customary practice in many Asian households. Jaggery activates digestive enzymes and acts as an intestinal cleanser. It aids in digestion, reduces constipation, and detoxifies the liver. Now, that’s a sweet way to end a meal!
Jaggery Helps to Purify the Blood
One of jaggery’s most celebrated benefits is its ability to purify the blood and improve its quality. Being rich in iron and folate, it stimulates the production of hemoglobin, thus benefiting anemic individuals (2). Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties help in improving blood flow, ensuring that every cell in your body receives its required dose of oxygen.
Respiratory Relief with Jaggery
With increasing pollution and allergens in the air, respiratory issues are on the rise. Jaggery, known for its anti-allergic properties, emerges as a savior (3). Regular consumption can combat symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. If you’re looking for a natural way to breathe easier, look no further than jaggery.
Combats PMS and Joint Pain with Jaggery
Ladies, take note! Jaggery’s richness in essential nutrients aids in combating pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). It helps release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, making you feel good. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties are also known to combat joint pain. A dash of jaggery in your daily diet can help in keeping those painful days at bay.
Transitioning from refined sugar to jaggery isn’t just a dietary switch; it’s an upgrade. With its multifaceted health benefits, jaggery promises not just sweetness but also wellness (4). So, the next time you reach out for that sugar jar, pause for a moment and consider the golden goodness of jaggery instead. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Stay sweet, stay healthy!”.
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References:
- Rao GP, Singh P. Value Addition and Fortification in Non-Centrifugal Sugar (Jaggery): A Potential Source of Functional and Nutraceutical Foods. Sugar Tech. 2022;24(2):387-396. doi: 10.1007/s12355-021-01020-3. Epub 2021 Jul 27. PMID: 34334974; PMCID: PMC8314846.
- Jahan, Afifa. (2019). Jaggery: A traditional, Nutritional and medicinal sweetener. 32. 20.
- Lamdande AG, Khabeer ST, Kulathooran R, Dasappa I. Effect of replacement of sugar with jaggery on pasting properties of wheat flour, physico-sensory and storage characteristics of muffins. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Aug;55(8):3144-3153. doi: 10.1007/s13197-018-3242-7. Epub 2018 Jun 1. PMID: 30065425; PMCID: PMC6046027.
- Kumar, Abhai. (2020). The benefit of Indian jaggery over sugar on human health. 10.1016/B978-0-12-816918-6.00016-0.
Source: Medindia
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