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Why is Jaggery Better Than Sugar: Know From Experts

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🎯 Key Points
  • Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap, whereas sugar is a highly processed product derived from sugarcane or sugar beets.
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  • Jaggery contains trace minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium, which are not present in refined sugar.
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  • Jaggery has a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning it releases glucose into the bloodstream more slowly, leading to sustained energy levels and preventing sugar crashes.
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  • Jaggery is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can help boost immunity and fight against oxidative stress, unlike sugar which offers no such benefits.
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  • Jaggery has a distinct flavor profile with a hint of caramel, making it a preferred choice for adding depth and richness to various dishes compared to the plain sweetness of sugar.

Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world. This natural sweetener has many health benefits that make it a healthier alternative to refined white sugar. It contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Additionally, it has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, making it a better option for people with diabetes or those looking to control their blood sugar levels. Jaggery also offers a unique flavor profile, which is a great way to sweeten dishes without the cloying taste of white sugar. In this article, we will take a closer look at the reasons why jaggery is a better choice than sugar.

Does Jaggery really better than Sugar?

Jaggery is a traditional sweetener made from sugar cane juice or palm sap, which is widely used in India, Africa, and parts of Asia. While it is a common substitute for refined sugar, the question of whether jaggery is better than sugar is a complex one.

On the one hand, jaggery is higher in vitamins and minerals than sugar; however, it is also higher in calories and carbohydrates. Furthermore, jaggery contains impurities like sand and ash, which could be detrimental to health.

Ultimately, whether jaggery is better than sugar depends on the individual and their health goals.

nutritional value of Jaggery.

  • Rich in Iron
  • High in Antioxidants
  • Good Source of Calcium
  • Contains Potassium and Magnesium
  • Low in Fat
  • High in Dietary Fiber
  • Rich in Vitamin B12
  • Contains a Variety of Minerals
  • Low Glycemic Index
  • Zero Cholesterol

10 Reasons why Jaggery better Than Sugar.

1. Jaggery is a Natural Sweetener.

Jaggery is made from natural products like cane sugar, palm sugar, and date palm jaggery, and is unrefined, which makes it a healthier alternative to sugar. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes it more nutritious than regular refined sugar.

2. Jaggery is Rich in Antioxidants.

Jaggery is rich in antioxidants, which helps fight off free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and cause disease, so consuming jaggery helps protect against such damage.

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3. Jaggery is a Source of Iron.

Jaggery is a great source of iron, which is important for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport in the body.

4. Jaggery is Good for Digestion.

Digestion

Jaggery helps improve digestion due to its high fiber content and its ability to stimulate digestive juices. It is also believed to help reduce the risk of digestive problems, such as constipation.

5. Jaggery Can Help Boost Immunity.

Jaggery is rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help boost the immune system. It is also thought to help reduce inflammation and fight off infections.

6. Jaggery Can Help Control Blood Pressure.

Jaggery is a good source of potassium, which is important for controlling blood pressure. It also helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

7. Jaggery Can Help Control Blood Sugar Levels.

Jaggery helps regulate blood sugar levels due to its slow release of energy. It also helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes and other health problems.

8. Jaggery Can Help Improve Skin and Hair Health.

Jaggery is rich in minerals and vitamins, which can help improve skin and hair health. It also helps reduce wrinkles and blemishes.

9. Jaggery Can Help Reduce Stress.

stress

Jaggery is believed to help reduce stress and fatigue due to its calming and relaxing effects.

10. Jaggery Can Help Boost Energy Levels.

Jaggery is a good source of energy due to its high levels of carbohydrates. It can also help improve stamina and endurance.

How to eat Jaggery for maximum health benefits?

1. Start off with a small piece of jaggery. Take it slowly and savor it.

2. Eat jaggery in moderation. Try to limit it to one to two teaspoons a day.

3. Eat jaggery with other foods, such as fruits, nuts, or whole grains. This will help balance your sugar intake and provide additional nutrients.

4. Chew the jaggery thoroughly before swallowing. This helps to break down the sugar, allowing your body to better absorb its nutrients.

5. Drink plenty of water while eating jaggery, as this will help your body digest the sugar more effectively.

6. Avoid eating jaggery with processed foods, as this can increase your sugar intake and decrease the health benefits of jaggery.

Frequently Asked Question.

1. Is jaggery better than sugar for weight loss?

Jaggery is a healthier alternative to sugar when it comes to weight loss. It is made from organic sugarcane or date palm and is unprocessed, so it retains some of the natural minerals and vitamins found in the original plant.

It has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which means it is absorbed slower into the bloodstream, helping to reduce sugar cravings and regulate blood sugar levels.

Jaggery also contains more potassium, magnesium, and calcium than sugar, which can help improve digestion and metabolism, aiding in weight loss.

2. Is jaggery better than sugar for diabetics?

Jaggery is an unrefined, natural sweetener that is made from evaporated sugar cane juice or date palm sap and is commonly found in India and other parts of Asia. It has a unique flavor and is often used as a substitute for sugar in many dishes.

Due to its natural production process, it is lower in calories and higher in minerals than refined sugar, making it a more suitable option for diabetics. Studies have shown that jaggery can increase insulin levels while still meeting the needs of low-calorie diets, which makes it a better choice for diabetics.

Additionally, it is also believed that jaggery can help reduce inflammation and aid in digestion, which could help regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Jaggery vs sugar vs honey which is better?

When trying to decide between jaggery, sugar, and honey, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. All three are sweeteners, but each offers different health benefits and drawbacks. Jaggery is minimally processed and contains vitamins and minerals, while sugar does not.

Honey is high in antioxidants, and is also known for its antibacterial properties. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which is the better option for their own dietary needs.

4. How is jaggery made?

Jaggery is made from the concentrated juice of sugarcane or the sap of certain palms, such as the date palm. The juice is heated in large pans until it thickens and begins to crystalize.

The jaggery is then cooled and formed into different shapes and sizes. The color and texture of jaggery varies depending on the region and where it is produced. The jaggery is then packaged and sold as a natural sweetener.

5. Does jaggery increase sugar level?

Jaggery is a form of sugar that is produced from unrefined sugarcane juice. While it is not as sweet as refined sugar, it has a richer flavor. It has been used for centuries in cooking and as a traditional remedy for certain ailments. Research has shown that jaggery does contain sugar, but it has not been proven to increase sugar levels in the body.

However, it is important to consume jaggery in moderation, as it contains calories and can contribute to weight gain. Additionally, it is important to note that jaggery should not be consumed by people with diabetes, as it can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

6. What is calories in jaggery vs sugar?

Calories in jaggery vs sugar can vary depending on the type of jaggery or sugar being compared. Generally speaking, jaggery contains slightly more calories than sugar, with jaggery containing roughly 383 calories per 100g of product and sugar containing 387 calories per 100g of product.

However, jaggery is considered to have more nutritional benefits than sugar due to its higher mineral content and is often used as a healthier alternative to sugar.

7. What is the sugar content of jaggery?

Jaggery is a traditional, unrefined sugar made from sugar cane or palm sap. It is commonly used as a sweetener in India and other parts of Asia and is also called gur, gud, or panella. Jaggery has a high sugar content, ranging from 50% to 90%, depending on the type of sugar cane used to make it.

It also contains many minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as vitamins including B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Jaggery is a great natural sweetener that can be used in place of white sugar or other processed sweeteners.

8. How much jaggery to eat everyday?

Jaggery is a natural and unrefined form of sugar made from sugar cane juice or palm sap. It is a great alternative to refined sugar, as it contains vitamins and minerals that are not found in white sugar. The amount of jaggery that should be eaten each day depends on one’s individual health needs and calorie requirements.

It is recommended to limit daily intake to 1-2 teaspoons, depending on body size and activity level. Eating too much jaggery can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so it is important to consume in moderation.

Bottom Line.

Jaggery is a great alternative to sugar because it is a natural sweetener with many health benefits. It has a distinct flavor, is rich in antioxidants, and has a low glycemic index. Furthermore, it is unrefined and contains minerals and other nutrients not found in refined sugar. Therefore, jaggery is a healthier alternative to sugar and can be used to sweeten food and drinks without compromising health.

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This content is based on scientific research and written by experts.

Our team of licensed health professionals, nutritionists and fitness experts endeavor to be unbiased, objective, honest and to present each sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1,2,3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific researches.

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