Everything You Need To Know About Jaggery And Its Benefits

Jaggery or gur is defined by its sweet and delectable taste. It is often used for sweetening various kinds of food items. You might have noticed the elderly often ending their meals with a piece of jaggery in their mouth. They consume it not only due to its divine taste, but also because it has plenty of health benefits. Those who have the habit of regularly eating it might wonder, What is jaggery made of? Gur is primarily made from raw sugarcane juice. The juice is boiled till it acquires a solid form. So essentially jaggery is an unrefined sugar.

People in India are a fan of this food item. They mix it in their milk, tea, and other meals to get its benefits. Lets learn more about it.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Jaggery?

Jaggery is a source of abundant micro nutrients. This is the reason it is always advocated by health professionals to be included in their diet. What is behind its status as a healthy food item? 20 grams of jaggery has around 38 calories in it. Apart from that, it has 9.8 grams carbohydrates, 9.7 grams sugar, and 0.01 grams of protein. Apart from these macronutrients, gur also contains other essential nutrients like betaine, vitamin B12, Choline, Folate, Iron, and Calcium. These micronutrients are essential for the sound working and functioning of your body.

What are the benefits of eating jaggery?

1. Aids in weight loss

2. Prevents the onset of anemia

3. Boosts your energy level

4. Helps prevent respiratory illnesses

5. Regulates blood pressure

1.   Aids in Weight Loss

Weight loss, Credit: Canva

Jaggery can be substituted for sugar in meals to impart them a sweet taste. It might make you question, is jaggery healthier than sugar? Jaggery is unrefined sugar and although it contains the same amount of calories as sugar, it also has many beneficial properties. Sugar is empty calories, but jaggery has all the compounds that are necessary for you to attain great health. By  including it in your diet you will stay full for long and your energy levels will not go down. Hence, you will be able to easily lose weight.

2.   Prevents the Onset of Anemia

Anemic woman, Credit: Canva

Anemia is a major problem that is observed in women in India. They get anemic due to the low levels of iron and folate in their bodies. Jaggery is abundant in both these nutrients. Hence you can prevent yourself from becoming anemic by eating it regularly. A good level of red blood cells need to be maintained. That is how oxygen will pass through every organ of the body. When you are anemic, red blood cell count decreases and you are not able to get adequate oxygen. By eating gur, you will find yourself brimming with endless energy everyday.

3.   Boosts Your Energy Levels

Energetic man, Credit: Canva

Jaggery is one of the principal sources of energy. As it is unrefined, it maintains the blood sugar level in your body and ensures that you do not suffer from bouts of energy crashes. You will find that you are not feeling fatigued as often as you would before. It is because, as a potent source of carbohydrates, jaggery gradually releases energy in your body. So, instead of eating sugar, eat jaggery instead.

4.   Helps Prevent Respiratory Illnesses

Exhausted woman, Credit: Canva

Jaggery is the weapon of choice for those people who suffer from respiratory disorders. Problems like bronchitis, asthma, cough, and cold can be effectively prevented by consuming jaggery. It clears the airways and enables you to breathe without any difficulties. If you find that you are constantly being afflicted by respiratory problems then start adding jaggery in your diet. Also, a combination of jaggery and sesame seeds will provide more benefits to you than consuming jaggery alone.

5.   Regulates Blood Pressure

Blood pressure monitor, Credit: Canva

People suffering from cardiovascular ailments need adequate quantities of potassium and sodium in their diet. It helps to keep the levels of acid in the body intact. Jaggery has both potassium and sodium in it. Hence, it is very effective in regulating your blood pressure. If you are someone who is troubled by your high or low blood pressure then start adding jaggery in your diet. It will help you in regulating your blood pressure effectively.

After reading all the benefits of jaggery, you should not wait any longer. Start including this delicious source of energy in your diet and benefit from enhanced health levels. At the same time, remember to consume it in moderate amounts. You should keep its calorie count in mind while consuming it. As it is high in sugar, diabetics should eat it in very small quantities daily.