We have all seen our elders ending their meals with a small portion of jaggery. And, we have even heard them boast about how healthy it is! Jaggery, also known as ‘Gur’ in Hindi, is a popular natural sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute. It’s a form of unrefined sugar and Jaggery Benefits that’s created mostly from raw, concentrated sugarcane juice that’s heated until it hardens.
Gur is not only healthier than white sugar, which just delivers empty calories to the body, but it also cleanses the body, aids digestion, and contains enough levels of minerals. In most regions of India, jaggery is an important part of one’s daily diet. In Kannada, it’s called ‘bella,’ in Tamil, ‘Vellum,’ and in Marathi, ‘Gul.’
Jaggery health benefits are many
Here is a list of them:
1. Boosts your immune system
Jaggery is high in antioxidants and vital minerals like zinc and selenium, which can help reduce free radical damage and boost infection resistance. Jaggery (gur) also tends to raise haemoglobin levels in the blood. As a result, it boosts your general immunity. This aids the development of resistance to certain diseases. This is why it is so popular in the winter.
2. Helps in weight loss
Many people struggle with constant weight gain. One of the most well-known advantages of consuming jaggery is that it aids digestion and weight loss. Gur aids in the detoxification of the body by draining away impurities and purifying the blood. The nutrients assist to maintain electrolyte balance, which improves metabolism, and potassium allows for water retention, aiding successful weight management. A modest consumption of jaggery is a tried and true way to lose weight.
3. Prevents constipation
Constipation is a condition in which the normal bowel movement gets compromised, and it is generally accompanied by hardened faeces. Jaggery aids in the stimulation of bowel motions and the activation of digestive enzymes in the body. Simply swallow some of this healthy natural sweetener after a big meal to lessen the risk of constipation.
4. Detoxifies the liver
Jaggery is a natural cleanser that is especially beneficial to the liver. It helps in naturally eliminating toxins from the body. This in turn aids liver detoxification as the liver is the prime organ in charge of detoxification. So, if you are suffering from a weak liver, or wish to detoxify your body naturally, bite into a piece of jaggery everyday.
5. Treats Flu like Symptoms
Corona might be gone, but the flu never goes. Jaggery is helpful in treating flu like symptoms like cough and cold. It heats up the body optimally, helping it to fight such symptoms. You can consume jaggery with warm milk or water or even replace it with sugar in your daily cup of tea or coffee.
6. Acts as a blood purifier
Daily consumption of jaggery in regulated amounts might help to purify the blood. It helps in increasing the haemoglobin levels and detoxifies the blood. This makes it helpful in the treatment of acne and pimples too. So if you want a healthy circulatory system with glowing skin, include jaggery in your diet daily.
7. Eases Menstrual Pain
Every woman knows the agony of menstrual cramps. Jaggery is a good natural remedy for menstruation issues, notably cramps, due to its high concentration of vital nutrients. If you’re having mood swings right before your period, eat a little piece of jaggery every day to help with PMS symptoms since it triggers the production of endorphins. Premenstrual syndrome is prevented by endorphins, which soothe your body.
8. Prevents Anaemia
One of the most prominent jaggery benefits is preventing anaemia. Gur has high quantities of iron and folate. This boosts the production of haemoglobin and RBCs, thereby preventing the onset of anemia. This is why jaggery is often recommended to pregnant women, kids and teenagers.
9. Prevents Urinary Problems
Sugarcane is a natural diuretic, so jaggery by default has the same properties. Gur keeps the nephrological system healthy. It reduces and prevents inflammation of the urinary bladder, stimulates healthy urination and improves the flow and composition of urine. So make some room for jaggery in your daily diet to maintain a healthy excretory system.
10. Prevents Respiratory Problems
Natural treatments for patients suffering from chronic respiratory problems is one of the most effective jaggery health benefits. Asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses can be avoided by including gur in your usual diet. To reap the highest benefits, combine jaggery with sesame seeds. It’s the ideal combination for treating respiratory issues.
Jaggery Nutrition Facts :
Jaggery benefits everyone, young or old. Jaggery has little to no fat, so you can simply incorporate it into your diet without worrying about consuming too much fat. However, because its sugar content is similar to that of white sugar, overconsumption should be avoided by diabetic people. So, while substituting a sweetener with more vitamins and minerals for refined sugar may be marginally better, relying heavily on jaggery in your diet is not recommended.
100 grams (half a cup) of jaggery contains:
- Calories: 383
- Sucrose: 65–85 grams.
- Fructose and glucose: 10–15 grams.
- Protein: 0.4 grams.
- Fat: 0.1 grams.
- Iron: 11 mg.
- Magnesium: 70-90 mg.
- Potassium: 1050 mg.
- Manganese: 0.2–0.5 mg.
Side Effects of Jaggery:
Although Jaggery might be a brilliant superfood, it might still have side effects if consumed in large quantities.
1. Allergic reactions
Sugar-sensitive persons may develop allergies after eating jaggery. Although it varies from person to person, sensitive persons should only consume a small amount of gur.
2. Cause Blood Sugar Levels to Be Interrupted
Jaggery is nutritious and advantageous in a variety of ways, yet it still includes sugar. Furthermore, diabetics should avoid jaggery since it contains hyperglycemia, which causes blood sugar levels to rise.
3. Irritability
Excessive use of jaggery can wreak havoc on your digestive system and create gastrointestinal problems. Freshly prepared jaggery is also more likely to induce indigestion.
Jaggery is unquestionably more nutrient-dense than white sugar, and it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Sugar’s nutritional value is way behind that of jaggery. Improved immunity and digestion are among the benefits of jaggery. However, it is heavy in calories, which should not be avoided in any situation. This means you may add jaggery to your regular diet or use it as a natural sugar substitute, but it’s not a good idea to eat it in huge amounts.
You can buy jaggery (gur) online from your trusted local retailer available on LoveLocal. Pick it up from the store or get it delivered to your doorstep in no time, choice is yours!
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