Jaggery is widely utilised in Indian food as well as in Ayurvedic treatment. It works well as a sugar substitute. Not only that, but it also has its own set of health benefits. Asavas and Arishtas — fermented liquid Ayurvedic medicines – are built on a foundation of jaggery.
Jaggery Vs Sugar
Gur
is a better alternative to sugar since, unlike sugar, jaggery is produced using natural methods without using chemicals. (Of fact, certain low-quality jaggeries are marketed in the market that has been chemically processed). In coffee, tea, and fruit drinks, jaggery can be substituted with sugar. It completely transforms the consistency and flavour of the beverage.
It is best to compare it to candy sugar (Mishri, Khadi Sakhar), which is an unprocessed type of sugar. There are multiple Ayurvedic benefits of jaggery. Jaggery can increase Kapha Dosha, making it unsuitable for colds, coughs, asthma, or bronchitis. Candy sugar, on the other hand, is acceptable for colds and coughs. Because jaggery is difficult to digest, it is not recommended for people with weak digestion. Sugar candy, on the other hand, is easier to digest.
Jaggery in Diabetes
Sugar is present in jaggery, making it unsuitable for diabetics. The amount of sugar in one gramme of jaggery, on the other hand, is lower than in one gramme of white sugar. If your diabetes is under control and you consume sugar in your diet (for example, in coffee or tea), you should substitute jaggery for white sugar.
Listed below are some of the Ayurvedic benefits of jaggery:
Healthy source of carbohydrates
Unlike sugar, which is a simple carbohydrate that is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and offers an immediate surge of energy, jaggery is a complex carbohydrate that releases energy slowly over time. It reduces weariness and weakness in the body and damage to your organs.
Boosts immunity
Jaggery is high in selenium and zinc, which protects against free radical damage and increases resistance to infections. It also aids in the increase of total haemoglobin levels in the blood.
Detoxifies liver
Jaggery is a natural cleaner that aids in liver detoxification. As a result, if you have liver difficulties, you should start incorporating jaggery into your diet.
Improves your digestive system
Do you have a problem with constipation? If you answered yes, you should add jaggery to your daily diet because it activates digestive enzymes that assist relieve gut strain. This aids in the removal of all the harmful food that has become lodged in your body.
Purifies blood
Consumption of moderate amounts of jaggery powder regularly can aid in blood cleansing. It aids in the removal of toxins from the body and cleanses the body of all pollutants.