Jaggery: Proven Health Benefits, Side Effect, And More Explanitation

OVER VIEW

Jaggery has been used in India for a long, and this is the best alternative to refined sugar.

It is used as an alternative natural sweetener.

The non-centrifugal sugar which is prepared from sugarcane juice is called Jaggery and is known by different names such as:

• Gur- India
• Piloncillo- Mexico
• Kokuto-Japan
• Gula Melaka- Malaysia
• Namtan tanode- Thailand

Jaggery is best in comparison to white sugar because sugar only has calories, and doesn’t have any minerals.

It is produced in about 25 countries, with 13 million tonnes per annum. And India is the largest producer with about 55% around the world.

The most commonly found ‘Gur‘ is sugarcane gur, but there are two more types of gur are:

• Palm jaggery: Contain iron, potassium, folate, and calcium. Has the lowest Glycemic index.
• Coconut jaggery: contains antioxidants, and more minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium.

‘Gur‘ is the Indian word for jaggery and is mentioned as a sweetener in Ayurvedic medicines for over 3000 years (1).

NOTE: The best time to eat it is the month of winter because in winter it becomes completely fresh, also its nature is warm.

How Is It Made?

Jaggery is made up of the same old method or traditional method here are:

1. Crushing of sugarcane for juice extraction
2. Slow heating of the juice in open tanks
3. Clarification of sugarcane juice using Okra stem juice (to remove its impurities which float on top)
4. Boiling the juice for concentration
5. Cooling and solidification to obtain jaggery blocks

Its color ranges from golden brown to dark brown. In India, lighter shades are more popular than darker ones.

NOTE: The waste of sugarcane is locally known as Khoya in India, and this khoya goes to the paper mill to make paper.

Good quality jaggery generally contains more than 70% sucrose, and also contains less than 10% isolated glucose and fructose, with 5% as minerals.

Health Benfits of Jaggery

Jaggery contains minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, zinc, copper, etc which is why is an excellent alternative to sugar.

Some health benefits like – good for digestion, helping in detoxing the liver, increasing blood count in low hemoglobin, make strong immunity.

Learn – Food To Eat, and Avoid For Strong Immunity.

Detox the liver

It acts as a detox agent, which cleanses the liver by flushing out toxic substances from our urine.

Also loaded with antioxidants and minerals like the presence of selenium, and zinc, it can detoxify free radicals from our bodies.

Jaggery and warm water also help to detoxify the body.

Apart from this, according to Ayurveda, jaggery is found to be useful in the treatment of throat and lung infections (2)

Learn More About – Effective Things Which Naturally Detox Your Body.

Good source of energy

Sugar is a form of carbohydrate (fuel that provide the body with energy). which provide energy but for the short term.

Like sugar, jaggery is also sweet, which offers energy but for a longer time. this means that the blood sugar level does not rise immediately.

Also, prevent fatigue symptoms and weakness in the body.

Help in reducing Blood pressure

Jaggery can help with high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels which allow smooth blood flow resulting in a decrease in overall blood pressure.

It contains potassium which helps in regulating blood pressure and heart functions.

Learn More About – High Blood Pressure

Help in digestion

In India, it is commonly eaten during the winter monsoon.

Many people eat it after having a meal because it stimulates the bowels and aids the release of digestive enzymes, also stimulating bowel movement.

Promote Blood count

Jaggery contains iron that helps in the prevention of anemia and also has anti-allergy properties, which help to reduce stress and manage asthma-related problems (3).

Also, a rich source of calcium that is essential for bone strength.

Relieve from constipation

A sufficient piece of Gur after a meal is good for the digestive system, which helps prevent and relieve constipation. which works as a natural laxative (4).

Constipation is a condition, where our stool becomes hard, lumpy, and dry, which creates stiffness or pain while leaving.

Learn – Home-Remedies To Help Relieve Constipation Naturally

Interestingly, jaggery combined with value-added natural spices and herbs and herbs not only provides health benefits but also improves the taste.

Promote Healthy skin

Yes, Jaggery can promote healthy, glowing skin due to the rich source of Glycolic acid present in it.

Glycolic acid is mostly used in skincare items because it has various benefits on the skin like reducing wrinkles, fine lines, age, spots, scars, and uneven skin color.

How to make it a face mask

• Take 2 tablespoons of jaggery power, and add 2 tablespoons of honey to it.
• Add half of the lemon juice.
• Now, apply it to your face for 15 to 20 minutes.

If you have any kind of irritation after applying it, then remove it, because some people’s skin may interact with lemon juice.

Boost Immune system

Our immune system is like a protection shield that protects us from viruses, and diseases caused by tiny invaders.

NOTE: Jaggery contains calcium, phosphorous, and zinc in moderate amounts, which help to boost immunity and promote good health.

Also, Jaggery is capable of combating the genotoxic effects of arsenic, as a result, it makes it easier to breathe and naturally combats pollution (5).

It May Help in weight loss

Jaggery is an effective way to weight loss due to potassium content, potassium help in the balance of electrolytes as well as building muscles and boosting metabolism.

How to consume it?

For weight loss used in making herbal teas, can also be used in chai and on an empty stomach with black pepper, ginger, and warm water.

Learn More About – Liquid Diet Recipes For Weight Loss

Other potential health benefits

• Good for asthma patients – It was reported that jaggery was found to be a remedy for the normal functioning of the lungs (6).
• Prevent bile-related disorders
• Increased sperm count
• prevents rheumatic diseases

And acts as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral, treating cough, flu, and infections.

Remember, you will get these benefits only by eating them in a moderate amount.

Side Effects

Consuming a lot of sugar can give its disadvantages instead of getting its benefits

If you are in weight loss so make sure, to eat it in a moderate amount in the morning empty stomach with warm water.

Research also suggests that diabetes patients should avoid jaggery, also excessive amounts may lead to obesity, heart disease, and type II diabetes. (6) (7), (8), (9).

BOTTOM LINE

Jaggery contains calcium, phosphorous, and zinc in moderate amounts, which help to boost immunity and promote good health.

It contains potassium which helps in regulating blood pressure and heart functions.

The best time to eat it is the month of winter because in winter it becomes completely fresh, also its nature is warm.

Remember, you will get these benefits only by eating them in a moderate amount.