Jaggery, which is made from either sugarcane juice or the juice from palm trees, is becoming more popular with replacing white sugar. Jaggery is a staple in India, where it’s known as gur.
Jaggery is healthier than white sugar because it contains vitamins and minerals. It is still sugar, and excessive amounts can cause health problems.
This article will explore the manufacturing process of Jaggery and its nutritional profile, uses, and holistic health benefits.
What is Jaggery?
Jaggery, also known as gur, is a natural sweetener and is becoming a popular healthy substitute for sugar. It’s a form of unrefined sugar that is healthier than white sugar.
There are many types of Jaggery on the market. They vary in color from dark brown to golden brown.
Jaggery Nutrition
One-quarter cup of Jaggery has:
- Calories: 100
- Protein around 1 gram
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: around 26 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram or less
- Sugar: around 24 grams
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Vitamin B (thiamin riboflavin, and niacin).
- Plant protein
- Phytochemicals
- Antioxidants
How much Jaggery should you eat each day? For daily consumption, you should consume around 10 grams of Jaggery. Although it is a healthier, more nutritious form of sugar than regular sugar, it is still sugar. It is important not to overconsume it.
Different types of Jaggery
1) Sugar Jaggery
This form of Jaggery, made from unfermented coconut syrup, is rich in iron and magnesium. This Jaggery isn’t made from sucrose and does not contain artificial ingredients. This Jaggery can also be used to reduce the spice of any gravy. This Jaggery is rich in flavor and color and can be used to make Indian desserts such as kheer, haala, etc.
2) Coconut Jaggery
This type of Jaggery is made with unfermented coconut sap. It is rich in iron and magnesium; It does not contain sucrose and is free from artificial ingredients. It can also reduce the heat in any dish.
3) Palm Jaggery
Palm Jaggery is made from a palm tree. It is high in potassium which helps to reduce water retention. Palm jaggery’s excellent body cleanser is another great feature. This makes it ideal for weight loss and gut health.
Jaggery Benefits
Here are 15 benefits of Jaggery that everyone should be aware of:
1 Boosts Immunity Jaggery is an immune-boosting food. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
2 Detoxes the body: It cleanses the lungs, stomach, and intestines. It purifies the blood.
3) Treats colds: Jaggery is naturally able to treat colds. It reduces irritation and soothes the throat. You can eat Jaggery raw or mix it with warm water, tea or coffee. It is also great for headaches and migraines.
4: Provides warmth. It is used in winter to warm the body. Gur is an instant source of energy. Of all the jaggeries available, date palm jaggery offers maximum warmth.
5) It regulates blood pressure. It contains potassium and sodium, which are essential for maintaining blood pressure.
6) Lowers the risk of respiratory problems. It lowers the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as bronchitis; Black Jaggery is also a good choice for controlling body temperature. It has anti-allergic and other beneficial properties.
7) Prevents blood disorders. Jaggery is high in iron and folate, which boost the formation of hemoglobin. It lowers the likelihood of developing blood disorders such as anemia.
8) Lowers the risk of certain diseases. Jaggery contains antioxidants that support proper nervous system function. It reduces the chance of developing nervous disorders. Jaggery is linked to lower risks of certain types of cancer, lower signs of aging, and lower rates of dementia.
9 Improves sperm production. According to Ayurveda, eating Jaggery with amla powder can increase sperm strength. It increases sperm production and reduces the risk of developing weakness in the body.
10) Helps with digestion: Jaggery stimulates enzyme production. It reduces the chance of developing digestive-related disorders.
11: Treatments for hiccups: Using Jaggery to treat hiccups, Combine it with dried ginger powder, and then add warm water.
12: Helps to relieve joint pain: Daily consumption of Jaggery can help with joint pain. You can add it to a glass of milk to prevent arthritis and strengthen your bones.
13). Treats urinary issues: Jaggery acts as a natural diuretic that stimulates urination. It can also be used to reduce bladder swelling and treat other disorders.
14). Regulates bowel movements: It regulates the bowel movements. It helps prevent constipation, flatulence, and other problems.
15: Eases menstrual discomfort: Jaggery eases cramps and stomachaches related to menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, can be treated with Jaggery.
16 Jaggery for Weight Loss
It may surprise you to learn that Jaggery can help in losing extra weight
- Increases metabolism: Gur is high in potassium. It aids in muscle building and electrolyte balance. It increases metabolism.
- Lowers water retention: The minerals in Jaggery reduce water retention and help to manage body weight.
17 Jaggery Tea Benefits
Tea lovers who love Jaggery and refined sugar can switch to green tea.
- Weight loss can be controlled
- Get rid of your cold and flu symptoms
- Winters are cold.
- Increase immunity
18) Jaggery Hair Benefits
Jaggery also contains iron.
- Hair health boosted
- Promotes hair growth
- Increases blood circulation at hair roots
- Hair is lustrous and strong
- Use a hair mask to make hair shiny and smooth.
19] Jaggery Skin Benefits
Gur is rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Skin care products that nourish the skin
- Reduces wrinkles
- Aging signs are reduced
- It makes your skin glow and is healthy
- Dark spots, pimples, and acne can be treated
How is Jaggery made?
Jaggery is made from traditional methods of pressing palm juice or cane juice and then distilling it. It is a three-step process.
- Extract: The sweet juice or sap is extracted from canes or palms using a press.
- Clarification – Large containers can keep the juice from settling at the bottom. To make clear juice, the juice is strained.
- Concentration – Juice is boiled in large saucepans with flat bottoms.
After the Jaggery has been stirred, a yellow, dough-like paste is formed. The impurities are removed from the top.
This “dough,” when it is transferred into molds or containers, becomes Jaggery.
It can be either a golden or dark brown color. It is important to assess the quality of Jaggery by its color and texture.
It is interesting to note that Indians prefer lighter colors to darker shades.
This lighter, “good quality” jaggery usually contains more than 70% sucrose. It also contains less than 10% sugars, such as glucose and fructose, and 5% minerals.
Sugar is usually sold in granulated, fluid forms. However, it can also be made as solid blocks.
Side effects of Jaggery
Jaggery can have side effects that are not as good as the benefits.
* Higher risk of obesity
* An increase in blood sugar
* High risk of developing heart disease
* It can cause discomfort and may lead to intestinal problems.
Does Jaggery increase weight?
Jaggery can help you shed extra pounds, which might surprise you.
- Lowers water retention: Jaggery minerals help to reduce water retention, which can help you lose weight.
- Increases body metabolism: Gur’s potassium promotes muscle growth and electrolyte balance. It increases the body’s metabolic rate.
- It aids digestion: Consuming a piece of Jaggery following meals activates digestive enzymes, aiding digestion. If you cannot resist sweets after meals, you can also eat a bit of Jaggery.
How much Jaggery should you eat every day?
A daily intake of around 10-15gs of Jaggery is possible.
Is Jaggery good for diabetes?
Patients with diabetes should eat foods that have a low Glycemic Index. People with diabetes should avoid Jaggery because it has a high-glycemic index.
Is Jaggery better than Honey?
Honey is a better choice than Jaggery because it is less processed and has a lower glycemic index.
Does Jaggery expire?
Jaggery has no expiration date.
Summarising Jaggery Benefits
Jaggery is a great alternative to sugar and can be used in place of regular sugar. It can also be added to curries to balance the spice levels. Jaggery’s many health benefits are what make it so special. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with Jaggery without risking your health. Be careful not to overdo it. Exceeding any amount can cause serious side effects. Use it wisely.