What Is Jaggery and Its Benefits?
Jaggery is unprocessed sugar obtained by steaming sugarcane juice until it solidifies.
Jaggery is an edible sugar made from sugarcane or palm tree juice.
It is unrefined sugar and widely used in Southeast Asia and Africa.
What is jaggery?
Jaggery is a natural sweetener that is a healthy alternative to refined sugar.
Types of jaggery vary in color from golden to dark brown.
3 types of jaggery
- Sugar jaggery
- This form of jaggery is used to reduce spiciness in gravy and desserts.
- Coconut jaggery
- Made from unfermented coconut sap, it is rich in magnesium and iron.
- It reduces spiciness in dishes and is a sugar substitute in desserts.
- Palm jaggery
- Derived from palm trees, it is rich in potassium and helps lower blood pressure.
- It may aid in weight loss and improve gut health.
Nutritional content of jaggery
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | Less than 1 gram |
| Fats | Less than 1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 26 grams |
| Fiber | Less than 1 gram |
| Sugar | 24 grams |
Jaggery also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
How is jaggery made?
Jaggery is made from unprocessed sugar obtained by steaming sugarcane juice.
Jaggery is made using traditional methods of pressing and distilling palm or cane juice.
This process involves:
- Extraction: Juice is extracted from canes or palms using a press.
- Clarification: Juice is clarified by standing in large containers, straining the sediment.
- Concentration: Juice is boiled in a large pan with a flat bottom.
A yellow, dough-like paste forms after stirring and removing impurities. The paste cools into jaggery when transferred to molds or containers.
Jaggery is unprocessed sugar, as it retains the nutritious molasses.
QUESTION
18 jaggery benefits
- Improves digestive health
- Jaggery aids digestion and stimulates bowel movements.
- It reduces the risk of digestion-related disorders by stimulating digestive enzymes.
- Prevents constipation
- Jaggery prevents constipation and flatulence by aiding digestion.
- Eating jaggery with ghee after meals eases constipation.
- The fiber content of jaggery and fats in ghee acts as a natural laxative.
- Promotes weight loss
- Jaggery promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing water retention.
- Boosts immune function
- Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in jaggery support the immune system.
- Prevents and treats cough and cold
- Jaggery has natural properties that treat cough and cold.
- It soothes the throat and reduces irritation when consumed raw or with warm water or tea.
- It also helps with migraines and headaches.
- Provides a warming effect
- Jaggery provides warmth when consumed during winters.
- Date palm jaggery provides maximum warmth to the body.
- It is a source of instant energy.
- Regulates blood pressure
- Potassium in jaggery helps lower blood pressure and improve cardiac function.
- Combats the risk of respiratory problems
- Jaggery reduces the risk of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis.
- Black jaggery regulates body temperature and has antiallergic properties.
- For best results, consume jaggery with pepper, holy basil, dry ginger, or sesame seeds.
- Prevents anemia and other blood disorders
- Jaggery is rich in iron and folate, reducing the risk of anemia.
- Reduces the risk of certain diseases
- Jaggery’s antioxidants help the nervous system function properly and reduce the risk of nervous disorders.
- Jaggery consumption is linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, signs of aging, and dementia.
- Improves sperm production and quality
- Ayurveda suggests combining jaggery and amla powder to improve sperm quality and production in men.
- Treats hiccups
- Mixing it with dried ginger powder and warm water helps with hiccups.
- Tackles joint pain
- Regular consumption of jaggery provides relief from joint pain.
- Adding it to milk helps manage arthritis symptoms and strengthen bones.
- Prevents urinary problems
- Jaggery stimulates urination and reduces bladder inflammation.
- Eases menstrual pains
- It relieves cramps and stomach aches during the menstrual cycle.
- It helps regulate irregular periods and alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
- Promotes hair growth
- Jaggery’s iron content improves blood circulation in hair roots, promoting hair growth.
- Using it in a hair mask makes hair strong, shiny, and lustrous.
- Nourishes the skin
- Jaggery’s minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- It makes the skin glow, prevents acne and dark spots.
- A source of energy
- Jaggery provides gradual energy that lasts longer due to its unrefined nature.
How much jaggery to eat every day?
About 10 to 15 grams of jaggery is enough for daily consumption.
Although healthier than white sugar, overconsumption of jaggery is not advised due to its sugar content.
4 potential risks associated with jaggery
Vitamins and minerals make jaggery healthier, but overconsumption can harm health.
Possible side effects include:
- Increased risk of obesity
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Risk of heart diseases
- Discomfort and intestinal problems (if prepared unhygienically or contains impurities)
Is jaggery good for diabetes?
People with diabetes should consume foods with a low glycemic index. Jaggery has a high glycemic index, so it is not recommended for diabetes. Stevia and other sweeteners are better options for managing blood sugar levels.
People with diabetes should consume foods with a low glycemic index. Jaggery has a high glycemic index, so it is not recommended for diabetes. Stevia and other sweeteners are better options for managing blood sugar levels.
