Health benefits of jaggery: 8 reasons you should include it in your diet

Gur or jaggery is a natural, unrefined sugar from sugarcane or palm sap. Because it is a natural form of sugar that does not lose its minerals and nutrients like processed sugar does, jaggery has several health benefits.

First up, it is much more than a simple sweetening agent. Jaggery is loaded with iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, and helps the body detoxify, boost immunity and digestion, and keep skin healthy. The real magic of jaggery lies in its benefit to nearly every system in the body, from the respiratory tract to the digestive system.

Dr Neha Kapoor, Senior Nutritionist at PureLife Wellness Clinic, lists 8 health benefits of jaggery

• Detoxifies the body: Jaggery is a natural cleanser and detoxifies the liver by getting rid of unhealthy toxins from the body. This helps boost metabolism level.

• Boosts immunity: Jaggery is packed with antioxidants and minerals that strengthen the immune system and assists the body cure common infections and seasonal flu.

• Improves digestion: Consuming a small piece of jaggery post meals can boost digestive enzyme activity, prevent constipation, eliminate waste from the intestine and promotes effortless bowel movements.

• Increases energy levels: Jaggery, unlike other refined sugar, releases energy to help you fight fatigue. It enables you to stay active for longer without feeling exhausted.

• Prevents anemia: Rich in iron and folate, jaggery assists in hemoglobin pairs inside the blood and is useful in remedy of anemia especially in females.

• Purifies blood: Regular consumption of jaggery helps purify the blood, which leads to healthier, shiny skin.

• Relieves respiratory issues: Jaggery helps clear the respiratory passages cleared. It is, therefore, every beneficial for people suffering from asthma, bronchitis  and chronic cough.

• Supports weight management: It increases the metabolism and reduces cravings, which makes it a healthier choice if you trying to lose weight.