Jaggery, also known as Gur in Hindi is unprocessed sugar that is acquired from raw and concentrated sugarcane juice. Although it is possible to make Jaggery from other sources like Date Palm or coconut sap, the one that is made from sugarcane juice is the most eaten in India due to its unique caramel-like taste and colour. According to some renowned nutritionists, you get the best results when you eat Jaggery during the winter months. The logic behind it that Jaggery is highly rich in essential vitamins and minerals which eventually boosts the immune system. It also helps keep your body warm and aid in treating common cough & cold. Our elders often prefer Jaggery over other sweeteners and often end their meals with it. One might think that its sweet, yet heavenly taste makes it very popular, but there are several benefits associated with it in addition to taste.

20 Grams of Jaggery consist of:

• 38 calories
• 9.8 gm of carbohydrates
• 9. gm of sugar
• 0.01 gm of protein, choline, vitamin B12, B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and manganese

Jaggery does not have fat for which one can easily have it without worrying about elevated lipid levels, but its sugar content is similar to white sugar for which people suffering from diabetes must avoid overconsumption of Jaggery.

Jaggery or Sugar which one of the healthier options for elders?

Most health professionals advise having Jaggery over sugar to reap the nutritional benefits from this sweetener. Sugar goes through several industrial processes like charcoal treatment and many other chemical treatments during which its nutritional value is lost. However, Jaggery undergoes no treatment except boiling the sugarcane syrup. This process makes sure that iron, mineral salts, and fibre are all retained well in this sweetener. Thus, considering everything, Jaggery is a better option for not just elders but also kids. Jaggery is proudly a much better option than brown sugar and even honey in some cases.

Now, lets me know whether Jaggery is good for diabetes or not?

Persons who have diabetes often suffer from sweet cravings and get attracted to various sweeteners. They might consider Jaggery over sugar, but the truth is that it contains a high sugar level. There is 65 -85% of sucrose in 10 grams of Jaggery. So, people who have diabetes should not consume it regularly.

How is Jaggery related to weight loss?

Most people think that since Jaggery is high in sugar, therefore it is fattening. But it is just a contrast to it. It is rich in nutrients and facilitates rapid digestion. It also helps in flushing out the toxins from the body and cleanses your blood. The nutrients present in it assist in maintaining the proper balance of electrolytes, thereby enhancing body metabolism. Not to forget a good amount of energy it provides to people who do a heavy workout. Thus, the consumption of Jaggery helps in the effective management of weight.

Other health benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery offers some other potential health benefits as well for which our elders often prefer it over another sweetener source.

• Helps prevent respiratory problems: For those suffering from a frequent respiratory problem, Jaggery could prove beneficial. One can prevent asthma, bronchitis by including Jaggery in their everyday diet. Jaggery, along with sesame seeds, is useful for preventing respiratory problems.
• Helps in controlling blood pressure: Elders mostly suffer from high or low blood pressure. Jaggery assists in managing your blood pressure because of the presence of potassium and sodium. It controls blood pressure by maintaining the acid levels of the body.
• High source of energy: Elders often feel a lack of energy. Sugar provides power, but it is short-lived, but Jaggery provides the energy that lasts long. It is not refined, which means the blood sugar levels do not change immediately, and it rises gradually. Thus, it helps in preventing fatigue in elders.
• Helps in preventing anaemia: Most elder peoples suffer from anaemia. Therefore, they must maintain the required levels of RBC along with iron and
  folate. Jaggery is rich in both folate and iron, which is useful for preventing anaemia. Along with elders, Jaggery is suitable for pregnant women as well.
• Helps in joint pain: Elders suffering from joint pain and arthritis can reap benefits from Jaggery as it helps in giving relief from pain. One can either use it as a sweetener in tea or mix it in warm milk and drink to reap maximum benefits.

Other problems with which Jaggery helps are body purification, liver detoxification, prevention of constipation, blood purification, and cough and cold treatment. These are the reasons elders prefer Jaggery. Jaggery is readily available all over India, but it is important to make sure that you get 100% natural Jaggery and Bebe Foods offer the best quality and chemical-free Jaggery with the best and original taste. You can make Bebefood’s Jaggery a part of your daily diet, and you will soon see its benefits!