It is worth mentioning that provoking the matter of sugar and jaggery consumption has become an important issue in recent years due to the increasing health-awareness among the global population. They have been in use for many years, but because of the negative effect that refined sugar has on the body, jaggery has gained acceptance due to its natural nature. But firstly I would like to know are we truly distinguishing between the two and which one is better for a healthier life to be led? Let’s break it down.
What is Sugar?
Sodium sulfate, especially refined white sugar, is regarded as one of the most popular sweeteners in the world. It is extracted from sugarcane or sugar beet which is purified by passing through a bleaching process among others to remove all the natural saccharides.
What is Jaggery?
. However, jaggery is not as refined as normal sugar, and possesses higher amounts of certain useful minerals and nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It has found its usage in Indian, African, and Southeast Asian foods and is one of the prominent flavors that is akin to caramel.
Nutritional Differences
- Mineral Content: It also contains some minerals which are essential in the body such as iron, magnesium, potassium among others. Iron to an extent is good for preventing anemia while magnesium is also for proper nerve and muscles. On the other hand, the nutrient which would be specific in small amounts like sugar has no nutritional value; rather it just adds merely calorie.
- Glycemic Index: Also, sugar has a high glycemic index value in contrast to jaggery. This means that it increases the extreme levels of blood sugar levels than other protein sources, which is not good for people with diabetes or anybody who wants to engage in weight loss. However, jaggery, has a lower GI, which implies that the energy released is constant and not in bursts, making it healthier to consumers who want to avoid sharp rises in blood sugar levels.
- Calories: Jaggery has almost equal energy content as sugar that is 396 kilocalories per 100 grams.
Health Benefits of Jaggery
- Detoxification: Jaggery is credited for having the power to reduce the toxicity levels in the liver hence removing unwanted substances from the body.
- Strengthens Immune System: Jaggery also contains antioxidants in large quantities thereby enhancing the immunity of human body.
- Regulates Acne and Reduces skin dullness: Due to the mineral content it has in it, it is beneficial in giving a good skin, eradication of acne and such related skin problems.
- Iron-Rich: Due to the preparation of jaggery, it is rich in iron content and helpful if one is anemic or has low iron levels in their body.
Drawbacks of Jaggery
Although jaggery might have more nutrition value than white refined sugar, because it comes in the category of sugar it has its own side- effects if consumed in large amounts.
Sugar’s Impact on Health
-_ Weight Gain: As earlier pointed, sugar is very energy-dense, and it hardly has any nutritional value.
Possible Influence on Chronic Diseases: consumption of sugar leads to an increase in possibilities of developing such chronic illnesses as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and tooth decay.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations: As explained before, refined sugar is high on glycemic index; therefore, causes a rise in blood sugar. Over a period, it begins to cause problems of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both are beneficial for consumption but when it comes to the health factor Jaggery is far better. It has the additional beneficial elements that have not undergone the process of refining, thus is more credible.
IComparing the various types of sweeteners, it becomes clear that jaggery has certain health benefits compared to white granulated sugar, but that does not exempt it from a metered consumption. Well, next time you are going to take a spoonful of that , Udhar gulaab, think twice and go for the better and healthier option. Click here for the source
