A lot of people tend to recommend jaggery over sugar as a sweetener. What is the basis for that and is it really healthier?
It’s just a lesser evil, not really healthy per se. It’s cane sugar just like normal sugar, but with some palm sugar or dates (I believe) thrown in. So technically it has a little of other minerals thrown in, but the amounts are quite small for any normal amount of sugar you’d consume anyway, so it’d hardly make any difference. (especially comparing to minerals you’d get from normal food sources)
Interesting, TIL about jaggert, in south america it is known as “panela” or “rapadura”. It is a slightly less processed version of cane sugar, but structurally it is very much the same sucrose you’d get from normal sugar, so you’re still getting the 50% glucose and 50% fructose. The 50% fructose is what actually makes you sick, so just treat it and consume it with as much caution as normal sugar.
as im here from Sri Lanka I would like to highlight some information on jaggery,
Here In my country Sri Lanka, we have an indigenous palm tree called KITHUL which is also known as fishtail palm (Caryota Urens) flourishes in Sri Lanka’s wet zone and we make jaggery, treacle/syrup, also flour from this amazing tree. jaggery and the treacle/syrup are made from the sap collected by the flower of this tree. The jaggery is made by boiling the flower sap beyond the boiling point of the treacle is poured to cool off and solidify.
it’s enhanced with a melting sweetness which contains 65g total carbs,0g fat, 1g protein, and 272 calories. and also it’s rich in essential minerals & dietary fibers, some studies reveal it has 60* more minerals than white sugar. It’s recognized as a healthier substitute for refined white sugar, and kithul jaggery is also used as food sweeteners, Ayurvedic medicines, and a dessert by itself. In Sri Lanka(Ceylon) it’s frequently associated with Ceylon tea/herbal fusions as a healthy sweetener.
Kithul jaggery also poses certain medical properties so it’s known to help prevent arthritis, improve complexion, alleviate constipation, aid weight loss, and combat blood sugar, to clear the respiratory tract by dissolving the mucus, Also treats Asthma patients and those suffering from other respiratory problems, so regular consumption of Kithul jaggery leads to increased hemoglobin levels and helps overcome anemia, the Magnesium in Kithul jaggery helps to regulate the nervous system. The high antioxidant properties of this natural sweetener helps protect body cells from damages caused by free radicals – it’s free radicals that accelerate aging. It is also rich in calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. And also with furthermore health benefits.
I think now you know what is jaggery and which jaggery is healthy, and also if u like to taste some I would be kind enough to send you but honestly, I’m not marketing in this, I needed to give you some information in this question, So if u need and it must be trustworthy please drop me a message then I’ll arrange a store by myself in a marketplace like Shopify to be it trustworthy.
Jaggery is a chemically complex form of sugar ,has more vitamins& minerals comparatively,released slowly into the bloodstream.REFINED sugar spike your blood sugar. If it’s winter, it makes sense to use Jaggery as it keeps the body warm.If it’s summer, it makes sense to use NATURAL form of sugar made from Cane sugarcane as it cools down the body and in some dishes to BALANCE the acidity of the food(tea/coffee/citric juice/tomatoes based gravies) .Both needs to be consumed as per the climate, in right way and right quantity, not just because it’s healthier.Moderation is the KEY.Unless you’re diabetic or suffering health issues specifically due to Sugar, it’s highly recommended to seek a health professionals advice.