In the age of refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, traditional sweeteners like jaggery are making a significant comeback, celebrated for their health benefits and natural origins. Derived from sugarcane or palm sap, jaggery is a staple in many Indian households, often used as a natural sweetener in various dishes. But beyond its sweet taste, jaggery offers a myriad of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to your diet. Dr Surrinder Kumar, General Physician, MBBS, New Delhi shared the health benefits of jaggery.
7 Health Benefits Of Jaggery
Here are some of the health benefits of jaggery:
Rich In Nutrients
Dr Surrinder Kumar highlighted that unlike refined sugar, which is stripped of all nutrients during the manufacturing process, jaggery retains a significant portion of the nutrients present in the sugarcane or palm. It contains iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, bone health, and maintaining a steady heartbeat.
Boosts Immunity
Dr Kumar mentioned that jaggery is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and selenium, which help prevent free radical damage and enhance resistance against infections. Consuming jaggery can boost your immunity, making you less susceptible to common illnesses like colds and flu.
Aids Digestion
Dr Kumar highlighted that jaggery is known for its digestive properties. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which in turn help in speeding up the digestion process. Consuming a small piece of jaggery after a meal can aid in digestion and prevent issues like constipation and bloating. Its natural cleansing properties also help in flushing out unwanted toxins from the liver and other parts of the body.
Purifies Blood
According to Dr Kumar, one of the traditional uses of jaggery is its ability to purify the blood. He said that regular consumption of jaggery helps in cleansing the blood, which in turn reduces the risk of blood-related disorders and improves the overall quality of blood. Clean blood means better overall health, as it ensures that all the organs receive pure, oxygenated blood.
Relieves Menstrual Pain
Women suffering from menstrual pain can benefit from jaggery (jaggery benefits). It is known to relieve cramps and pain during menstruation due to its rich iron content, which helps in maintaining haemoglobin levels. Dr Kumar advises that the consumption of jaggery increases the release of endorphins, which helps in relaxing muscles and providing relief from pain.
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Energy Booster
Dr Kumar mentioned that jaggery is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it digests slowly and provides a steady stream of energy for a longer period, unlike refined sugar, which gives an instant but short-lived energy spike. This makes jaggery an excellent choice for an energy boost, particularly for people engaged in physical activities and sports.
Controls Blood Pressure
As per Dr Kumar, the potassium and sodium present in jaggery help maintain acid levels in the body and thus regulate blood pressure. It reduces water retention and bloating, which is beneficial for people with high blood pressure. By balancing the electrolytes, jaggery (benefits of consuming sesame seeds and jaggery) ensures that the blood vessels are relaxed and the blood flow is optimal.
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Replace refined sugar with jaggery and leverage the health benefits.
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