The sweet remedy: Decoding the health benefits of jaggery

Health benefits of jaggery: It has high amounts of sucrose and glucose that provide natural energy. It releases energy slowly and steadily, making it an ideal winter snack

Winter is the time of the year when we relish til gur laddoos, gur halwa, and peanut gur chikki? What's the common ingredient in all of these? Jaggery, the natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice! The good thing is that it is not only delicious but also nutritious, giving a healthy and flavourful twist to your winter diet.

Jaggery, also known as non-centrifugal sugar, is a nutraceutical and contains essential amino acids, antioxidants and phenolics. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. Moreover, it has vitamins such as folic acid, various B-complex vitamins, and other vital nutrients that boost its nutritional value.

Jaggery delights: Eating jaggery can make you happy, improve your skin, hair, and nails, and sharpen your mind. Health experts recommend having jaggery with clarified butter after meals for better overall health.

You can also make yummy and wholesome snacks with jaggery by mixing it with puffed rice, sesame, nuts, or even chocolate. If you want to try something different and fancy, you can make jaggery-based candies or cakes with seeds, nuts, lentils, and spices for a mouth-watering treat.

Besides, you can also drink a variety of beverages with jaggery for a cheap and healthy way to nourish yourself.

Health benefits of jaggery: 

Boosts energy: Jaggery has high amounts of sucrose and glucose that provide natural energy. It releases energy slowly and steadily, making it an ideal winter snack. Don't resist the temptation; indulge in delightful winter treats like gajak, gur-til-laddoo, peanut chikki, and gur patti.

Prevents rheumatic disease: Jaggery can help you fight off rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis and gout, by reducing inflammation and pain in your joints.

Keeps gut friendly: Jaggery can keep your gut happy and healthy by regulating bile production and preventing bile disorders. Starting your day with a glass of warm water mixed with jaggery is considered good for digestion throughout the day. Jaggery also supports kidney functions and stimulates natural digestive enzymes, making your digestion more efficient and effective.

Wards off weakness: Jaggery can boost your energy levels and prevent fatigue by providing you with iron, an essential mineral for blood production. It is especially beneficial for those who suffer from anemia or low iron levels.

Keeps muscles happy: Jaggery can relax your muscles, nerves, and blood vessels by supplying you with magnesium, a mineral that helps calm your nervous system and reduce stress. You can also pair jaggery with roasted gram or split chickpeas for a nutritious snack that provides you with vitamins and proteins. It is good for your muscles, bones and teeth, and cleanses the body.

Good for your skin, mood, and brain: Jaggery and chickpeas is a great combination to enhance your skin, mood, and brain. This duo can lower your cholesterol levels, balance your body acidity, and even reduce wrinkles.

Maintains blood pressure: Potassium in jaggery plays a role in regulating blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy.

Boosts blood production: Rich in iron, it also helps improve hemoglobin levels, making it an excellent choice to prevent anemia.