Jaggery: Health Benefits, Types, How to Make, and Disadvantages
Winter is approaching, and it is time to prepare for the frigid months ahead. Nature has its own way of providing comfort, whether it's through fruits, vegetables, nuts, or spices. In the winter, meals high in vitamin C are sought after to combat colds and flu, while green vegetables such as spinach and methi supply much-needed iron and protein, and traditional preparations such as chikki and laddoos are regarded to be warming foods.
There is a greater selection of seasonal treats to choose from. Jaggery or gur is a food item you can include in your diet. This classic Indian favourite tastes finest in the winter. Jaggery, a popular culinary item in Indian households, is not only one of the best natural sweeteners, but it also has numerous health advantages. We will discuss the health benefits of Jaggery (Gur) in this blog.
1. What is Jaggery?
Jaggery is manufactured from sugarcane juice. In India, it is known as Gur. Jaggery is a sweetener that has gained appeal as a "healthier" alternative to sugar. This sweetener has also earned a major health halo. It is sometimes referred to as a "superfood sweetener" because of its sweet and nutritious flavor. It has a sugary taste and a yellowish-golden look and is fascinating over sugar.
Jaggery includes up to 50% sucrose, 20% inverted sugars, and 20% moisture, with the remaining 10% consisting of insoluble materials such as wood ash, proteins, and bagasse fibers.
Jaggery is manufactured from sugarcane juice. In India, it is known as Gur. Jaggery is a sweetener that has gained appeal as a "healthier" alternative to sugar. This sweetener has also earned a major health halo. It is sometimes referred to as a "superfood sweetener" because of its sweet and nutritious flavor. It has a sugary taste and a yellowish-golden look and is fascinating over sugar.
Jaggery includes up to 50% sucrose, 20% inverted sugars, and 20% moisture, with the remaining 10% consisting of insoluble materials such as wood ash, proteins, and bagasse fibers.
2. How Jaggery is Made from Sugarcane? Or What is the Process of Making Jaggery?
Sugarcane should be selected as the first step in making Jaggery from sugarcane. Sugarcanes with a Brix value of 20 or more are selected for processing. After selecting the cane, it is chopped and sent to a crushing plant.
Sugarcane should be selected as the first step in making Jaggery from sugarcane. Sugarcanes with a Brix value of 20 or more are selected for processing. After selecting the cane, it is chopped and sent to a crushing plant.
- In this step, the sugarcane is washed and ready to extract its juice.
- After sugarcane is cleaned, it is processed through a milling machine to extract the juice and send the remains, known as bagasse, to the sun for drying. The boiler uses bagasse to produce steam, which heats sugarcane juice and syrup.
- Now that the juice has been collected, it is filtered, heated, and clarified under controlled conditions.
- The juice of sugarcane is clarified and heated so that the water is evaporated. Temperature is maintained by an automated process.
- During the whole process of cooling, the temperature of the concentrated syrup is maintained at the required level continuously through an automated process.
- After the syrup has cooled, it is poured into an open pan or molded into a solid cube or nugget in different shapes and sizes.
- Mechanical dryers are used to remove excess moisture from jaggery and maintain hygienic conditions.
- A variety of pouch sizes are used to package jaggery.
3. What is Jaggery Called in Different Places?
- In Hindi Jaggery is called - Gur
- In Maharashtra Jaggery is called - Gul
- In Karnataka Jaggery is called - Bella
- In Tamil Nadu Jaggery is called - Vellam
- In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Jaggery is called - Bellam
- In Kerala Jaggery is called - Sharkara
- In Central and Latin America Jaggery is called - Panela
- In Mexico Jaggery is called - Piloncillo
- In Costa Rica Jaggery is called - Tapa dulce
- In Malaysia Jaggery is called - Gula Melaka
- In Japan Jaggery is called - Kokuto
- In Sri Lanka Jaggery is called Hakuru
- In Thailand Jaggery is called Namtan tanode
4. Nutrient Content of Jaggery
Jaggery has the following nutritional value per quarter cup -
Calories (100), Protein (1 gram or less), Fat (1 gram or less), Carbohydrates (26 grams), Fibre (1 gram or less), Sugar (24 grams), Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin B (thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), Plant protein, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants
Do you know how much jaggery you should consume each day? For daily usage, 10-20 grammes of jaggery should suffice. It is undeniably a healthier and more nutritious type of sugar, but it is still sugar. As a result, it is critical not to drink too much of it.
Jaggery has the following nutritional value per quarter cup -
Calories (100), Protein (1 gram or less), Fat (1 gram or less), Carbohydrates (26 grams), Fibre (1 gram or less), Sugar (24 grams), Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin B (thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), Plant protein, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants
Do you know how much jaggery you should consume each day? For daily usage, 10-20 grammes of jaggery should suffice. It is undeniably a healthier and more nutritious type of sugar, but it is still sugar. As a result, it is critical not to drink too much of it.
5. Types of Jaggery
- Sugarcane Jaggery
- Khajoor Gur (Palm/Date Palm Jaggery)
- Marayoor Jaggery
- Coconut Jaggery
- Palmyra Jaggery
- Toddy Palm Jaggery
6. Health Benefits of Jaggery
Jaggery is good for Digestion: Gur (jaggery) possesses digestive stimulating properties that assist with digestion and appetite. Numerous practitioners recommend consuming jaggery after meals to aid digestion. It is a typical habit among individuals in India who suffer from abdominal fullness following eating a meal. It stimulates digestive enzymes and works in the stomach like acetic acid, accelerating digestion and smoothing the process, decreasing strain on the intestines and digestive tract.
Jaggery Helps to Prevent Constipation: As per Ayurveda, jaggery has hot potency, which means it generates heat in the body and secretes bile from the liver and gallbladder. Bile and peristalsis are connected. Bile salt release into the intestine aids in the improvement of peristalsis. As a result, jaggery aids in the relief of constipation and the regulation of bowel motions.
Jaggery Helps to Boost Immunity: The finest immune-boosting food is jaggery. Jaggery is high in antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium, which help prevent free radical damage and enhance resistance to infections. Jaggery also aids in increasing the overall hemoglobin count in the blood.
Jaggery Work as a Blood Purifier: Jaggery's capacity to filter blood is one of its most well-known properties. It cleanses the blood when ingested on a regular and limited basis, leaving your body healthy. A healthy body with clean blood is devoid of sickness.
Jaggery works as a Cleansing Agent/Detoxifying Agent: The consumption of jaggery is recommended for removing unwanted particles from the body since it is a natural cleansing agent. As well as cleaning the respiratory tract, lungs, intestines, stomach, and food pipe, it helps to keep your overall health in good shape. For workers in factories or coal mines exposed to heavy pollution, jaggery is highly recommended.
Jaggery helps to prevent anemia: Jaggery contains iron and folate, which help prevent anemia by maintaining a proper level of red blood cells. This is especially advantageous for women who are pregnant. It keeps the level of red blood cells normal. It also gives the body sudden vigor.
Jaggery prevents respiratory problems: Many respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis, can be avoided by routinely ingesting jaggery. Experts advocate combining this natural sweetener with sesame seeds for maximum respiratory advantages.
Jaggery helps weight loss: Jaggery is a remarkably effective weight loss product. This is due to the fact that jaggery is high in potassium, a mineral that aids in electrolyte balance as well as muscle growth and metabolism. Potassium also helps to reduce water retention, which aids in weight management.
Jaggery is good for Digestion: Gur (jaggery) possesses digestive stimulating properties that assist with digestion and appetite. Numerous practitioners recommend consuming jaggery after meals to aid digestion. It is a typical habit among individuals in India who suffer from abdominal fullness following eating a meal. It stimulates digestive enzymes and works in the stomach like acetic acid, accelerating digestion and smoothing the process, decreasing strain on the intestines and digestive tract.
Jaggery Helps to Prevent Constipation: As per Ayurveda, jaggery has hot potency, which means it generates heat in the body and secretes bile from the liver and gallbladder. Bile and peristalsis are connected. Bile salt release into the intestine aids in the improvement of peristalsis. As a result, jaggery aids in the relief of constipation and the regulation of bowel motions.
Jaggery Helps to Boost Immunity: The finest immune-boosting food is jaggery. Jaggery is high in antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium, which help prevent free radical damage and enhance resistance to infections. Jaggery also aids in increasing the overall hemoglobin count in the blood.
Jaggery Work as a Blood Purifier: Jaggery's capacity to filter blood is one of its most well-known properties. It cleanses the blood when ingested on a regular and limited basis, leaving your body healthy. A healthy body with clean blood is devoid of sickness.
Jaggery works as a Cleansing Agent/Detoxifying Agent: The consumption of jaggery is recommended for removing unwanted particles from the body since it is a natural cleansing agent. As well as cleaning the respiratory tract, lungs, intestines, stomach, and food pipe, it helps to keep your overall health in good shape. For workers in factories or coal mines exposed to heavy pollution, jaggery is highly recommended.
Jaggery helps to prevent anemia: Jaggery contains iron and folate, which help prevent anemia by maintaining a proper level of red blood cells. This is especially advantageous for women who are pregnant. It keeps the level of red blood cells normal. It also gives the body sudden vigor.
Jaggery prevents respiratory problems: Many respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis, can be avoided by routinely ingesting jaggery. Experts advocate combining this natural sweetener with sesame seeds for maximum respiratory advantages.
Jaggery helps weight loss: Jaggery is a remarkably effective weight loss product. This is due to the fact that jaggery is high in potassium, a mineral that aids in electrolyte balance as well as muscle growth and metabolism. Potassium also helps to reduce water retention, which aids in weight management.
7. What are the Disadvantages of Jaggery?
Gur or jaggery is better prevented for shotha disorders such as edoema or swelling, as per Ayurveda. Because it is a sweet food, it may aggravate swelling and fluid retention. As a result, when it comes to amavata, or joint swelling, jaggery is on the list of things to avoid.
Jaggery is a sweetener with a sugar content. If you have diabetes, you're probably limiting your sugar intake to avoid hyperglycemia, a sudden increase in blood glucose levels. And, like any sugary item, jaggery can raise blood sugar levels when consumed.
Sugar refined from jaggery contains a slightly higher level of nutrients than refined white sugar. If the jaggery is contaminated or improperly cooked, you may develop intestinal worms or parasites from consuming it. There is also the possibility that you are allergic to jaggery.
Gur or jaggery is better prevented for shotha disorders such as edoema or swelling, as per Ayurveda. Because it is a sweet food, it may aggravate swelling and fluid retention. As a result, when it comes to amavata, or joint swelling, jaggery is on the list of things to avoid.
Jaggery is a sweetener with a sugar content. If you have diabetes, you're probably limiting your sugar intake to avoid hyperglycemia, a sudden increase in blood glucose levels. And, like any sugary item, jaggery can raise blood sugar levels when consumed.
Sugar refined from jaggery contains a slightly higher level of nutrients than refined white sugar. If the jaggery is contaminated or improperly cooked, you may develop intestinal worms or parasites from consuming it. There is also the possibility that you are allergic to jaggery.
8. Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) About Jaggery?
Q.1. Can a Diabetic Patient consume Jaggery?
Ans. No, because jaggery contains sugar, diabetics should avoid substituting it for sugar. However, they can only consume a certain amount of it.
Q.2. Is Jaggery healthier than sugar?
Ans. Yes, it is preferable than sugar because jaggery offers numerous advantages over sugar. Jaggery is chemically more complicated than sugar and made up of longer sucrose chains. It is more difficult to digest and does not provide as much energy as refined sugar. This is gentler on the body.
Q.1. Can a Diabetic Patient consume Jaggery?
Ans. No, because jaggery contains sugar, diabetics should avoid substituting it for sugar. However, they can only consume a certain amount of it.
Q.2. Is Jaggery healthier than sugar?
Ans. Yes, it is preferable than sugar because jaggery offers numerous advantages over sugar. Jaggery is chemically more complicated than sugar and made up of longer sucrose chains. It is more difficult to digest and does not provide as much energy as refined sugar. This is gentler on the body.
9. Different ways to consume Jaggery or Various Jaggery Recipes
Jaggery and Peanuts (Peanut Chikki): Chikki is one of the most dishes you can have in winter which will provide you with many health benefits.
Jaggery and Sesame (Sesame Chikki): Sesame chikki is same as Peanut chikki instead of peanut we have to use sesame. This is also beneficial dish for health in winter.
Jaggery with Milk: The best way to include the jaggery in your diet is adding jaggery instead of sugar in milk.
Replace Sugar in various dishes: To get more benefits add jaggery to your diet. Whatever you eat if that dish needs sugar in it then it can be replaced with jaggery.
Jaggery Water: Fill a glass of water (Luke warm preferably) and add a small amount of crushed jaggery (10-20 gms) keep it for 30 minutes and drink it.
Jaggery and Peanuts (Peanut Chikki): Chikki is one of the most dishes you can have in winter which will provide you with many health benefits.
Jaggery and Sesame (Sesame Chikki): Sesame chikki is same as Peanut chikki instead of peanut we have to use sesame. This is also beneficial dish for health in winter.
Jaggery with Milk: The best way to include the jaggery in your diet is adding jaggery instead of sugar in milk.
Replace Sugar in various dishes: To get more benefits add jaggery to your diet. Whatever you eat if that dish needs sugar in it then it can be replaced with jaggery.
Jaggery Water: Fill a glass of water (Luke warm preferably) and add a small amount of crushed jaggery (10-20 gms) keep it for 30 minutes and drink it.
Jaggery Gur Gud health benefits of jaggery health benefits of eating jaggery what is jaggery how to make jaggery types of jaggery How Jaggery is Made from Sugarcane Nutrient Content of Jaggery Disadvantages of Jaggery Jaggery Recipes
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