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Jaggary/Country Sugar
Jaggery is basically made from raw, concentrated sugarcane juice, that is boiled until it solidifies into thick crystals. It used as a natural sweetener in many food products. Like palm sugar, jaggery is also considered as a much healthier alternative to refined sugar as it contains many essential minerals. Yet another sweet fact is jaggary has a distinct sweet flavour as opposed to the plain sweetness of sugar.
Health benefits of jaggery
1. Healthy source of carbohydrates
Unlike sugar which has a simple form of carbohydrate and thus breaks down to give temporary energy boost, jaggery has a complex form, which facilitates gradual release of energy that lasts for a longer period. This prevents damage to internal organs that is caused by sudden rise in sugar-levels
2. Helps prevent anaemia
Being rich in both iron and folate, adding jaggery to your daily diet can greatly help in preventing anaemia, which is primarily caused by reduced level of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hence, doctors recommend regular intake of jaggery to female adolescents and pregnant women
3. Rich inantioxidants
Jaggery contains selenium, magnesium, and many vitamins with antioxidant properties. These antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, thus preventing many diseases, especially cancer.
4. Cleanses the body
Jaggery helps in detoxification of various body parts, such as respiratory tract, lungs, liver, intestines, stomach and food pipe. This, in turn, boosts the overall immunity, providing protection against several infections, ailments and diseases.
5. Helps indigestion
Since jaggery is a rich source of fibre, it regulates the bowel movements, preventing problems such as indigestion, constipation, flatulence and intestinal worms. It also stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes which ensures the smooth functioningof the digestive system.
6. Prevents respiratory ailments
Jaggery is known for its ability to treat respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis. It also provides relief from colds, coughs, migraines, and headaches.
7. Aids weight loss
Jaggary contains significant amount of potassium, which helps in boosting the body metabolism and in reducing water retention in the body. These two factors majorly contribute to effective weight loss.
8.Relieves menstrual cramps
The natural sweetener is best at easing menstrual cramps. It can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are called the happy hormones. Thus, eating a small piece of jaggery every day can help to deal with the symptoms of PMS, which is caused by fluctuating hormones.
Best ways to consume jaggery
- It is advisable to consume jaggery with sesame seeds to treat respiratory problems.
- To seek relief from cold, add it to warm milk.
- Health experts recommend pairing jaggary with foods rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits, amla and guavas, as this kind of consumption enables effective absorptionof iron present in jaggary.
- Category BENEFITS
- Date 20th, March, 2021
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