India is a land of traditions and festivities. In all the 12 months of the year, we will at least have one celebration lined up. Leaving no stones unturned in celebrating them, these festivities are synonymous with pomp and gala. This makes the celebrations an absolute delight. But festivals are incomplete without the ‘special food’ in them. Be it Diwali or Onam, every festival would have a platter intrinsic to the celebration. And how can a platter be complete without sweets in it!
We all love sweets, don’t we? For us Indians, sweets are a way of celebrating any incoming good news. This makes them a must-have for any celebration. But every coin has a flip, side, and so do sweets. Oftentimes sweets are detrimental to our health, as they contain refined sugar. Refined Sugar increases your chance of type-2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Is there an Alternative?
Absolutely yes! That alternative is none other than Jaggery. Sourced from sugarcane or palm sap, jaggery is an unrefined sugar product. This makes it a healthy sweetener and adds to its growing popularity.
Sugar v/s Jaggery: The Healthier Option
You must be wondering what makes jaggery a better alternative than Sugar? Well, that's because jaggery contains molasses. Molasses is a nutritious by-product that comes in the process of making sugar. But it gets removed in the refinement process of sugar. The final nutritional value of jaggery depends on whether it is sourced from palm or sugarcane.
Health Benefits of Jaggery
We all know that in this age of growing health awareness, jaggery is all that you need. But what are the health benefits of jaggery? Instead of joining the bandwagon blindly, let’s find that out-
Aids Weight Loss
Yes, my friend, you heard it right! Regular intake of jaggery is indeed a great facilitator which aids your weight loss journey. This is because sugarcane jaggery has a rich content of potassium in it. Regular intake of Potassium balances out the electrolytes in the body and aids your metabolism. So to lose all those inches, jaggery is definitely what you need!
Controls Blood Pressure
What makes Jaggery a superfood is its enormous content of nutrients. Along with molasses, Jaggery also has copious amounts of potassium and sodium. This makes jaggery a must-have for you, especially if you are trying to control your blood pressure levels. More reasons to buy organic sugarcane jaggery online!
Prevents Anaemia
It is known that iron deficiency results in Anaemia. And to reverse anaemia, one of the foremost home remedies is to increase your jaggery intake. Research has proven that jaggery is an excellent source of plant-based iron. Thus to prevent anaemia, make sure to replace sugar with jaggery regularly.
Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Bogged down by terrible Period Cramps? Then jaggery made of sugarcane can be your ultimate saviour. Being a powerhouse of nutrients, jaggery is blessed to have copious amounts of magnesium and selenium in it. It is the presence of these nutrients which helps in easing your cramps. They are also a stress-buster during your PMS. You're welcome!
Cleanses your Body
A 2009 study on Food Chemistry, had found out that the mineral content in jaggery makes it a natural detoxifier. The presence of antioxidants and minerals gives jaggery cytoprotective quality. This means that it can not only clear off the mucus but can clean your respiratory and digestive systems fully. That makes jaggery a must-have in your meal.
Improves Immunity
Any food item which is packed with nutrients and helps in detoxifying your body. And jaggery made of sugarcane is too not an exception. Being a superfood and a natural detoxifier, jaggery naturally aids a healthy metabolic activity and ensures your well-being. This is why jaggery becomes a compulsory item during winters, just to keep you safe from colds and flu.
Aids Glucose Control
Jaggery is considered to be a healthier alternative to white refined sugar. Why? Well, that is because the molasses content in jaggery aids in controlling your glucose levels and checks for weight gain and obesity. Another reason that adds to the popularity of jaggery is that it can check your cravings, by making you feel full. This in turn helps in weight loss.
Who shouldn’t consume Jaggery?
- Individuals having allergies towards jaggery should strictly avoid it, irrespective of its benefit
- If you have a past of edema or swelling, then boss jaggery isn't for you.
- If you are having conditions like Ulcerative Colitis, must avoid jaggery at all costs.
- Too much jaggery must be avoided as well, otherwise, it leads to weight gain.
- Lastly, if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, you should avoid an excessive intake of jaggery. That would prevent a spike in your blood sugar levels.
How to Include Jaggery in your Diet?
Knowing about the benefits of Jaggery is just not enough. You must also take steps to incorporate Jaggery in your meals and use them as an alternative sweetener. One simplest way to use Jaggery is to use them instead of refined sugar in your desserts and sweets. Another unique way to consume Jaggery is with lukewarm water, as that boosts weight loss.
Use Jaggery instead of sugar to make laddus and mithais. You can also add Jaggery to your morning tea and give it a healthy twist.
Where do you Find the Best Jaggery?
When it comes to buying anything organic, trust no other than Two Brothers Organic Farm. At TBOF we understand the intrinsic relationship between humans and nature. Thus through our farming endeavours, we make sure along with our health; our natural surroundings are also taken care of. Certified by ECOCERT, our products reflect this commitment and values towards sustainable development. Be it jaggery or ghee, at TBOF everything is organically produced for you.
Are you looking to get the best sugarcane jaggery online? Then you are definitely on the right page. Shop from us today and experience the bountiful good of Mother Earth.
