Jaggery or gud, made from sugar cane juice is a traditional sweetener with many health benefits. It is commonly used in Indian households for cooking as it is packed with nutrients, minerals, and fibers. Moreover, it is much healthier than sugar. Jaggery has been used in Ayurveda treatment.
Although many people might not know, jaggery is a great natural food that helps protect against the adverse effects of air pollution in Delhi and the national capital region. Traffic constables have been known to eat bits of jaggery while spending hours managing traffic.
5 Benefits of Jaggery
1. Natural detoxifier for better breathing
Air pollution is one of the leading factors of health problems these days. Many individuals suffer from breathing disorders, many of which face irreversible damage. This is where jaggery can help; it can help you breathe freely, which is why you should add it to your daily diet. It detoxifies and has anti-carcinogenic qualities that help with wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing problems. Eating jaggery clears excessive mucus and releases respiratory muscles. For that matter, jaggery improves immunity as well.
2. Packed with micronutrients
Jaggery is unrefined, unlike sugar that is highly addictive and not so good for health. The production of jaggery retains its natural goodness along with its micronutrients. In the process of making sugar, molasses, which is a natural nutritious by-product is removed. However, in the jaggery making process, it is retained. Molasses is a good source of anemia.
Sugar is hard for the digestive system to digest, which burns up the reserves of potassium and calcium in your system. Jaggery, for that matter, is easily digested in the body and helps maintain calcium reserves.
3. Rich in minerals
Jaggery is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, and zinc. Eating jaggery fulfills mineral requirements. Since it is high in potassium, it helps maintain acidity levels and thus reduces hypertension. With all the high blood pressure problems, food like jaggery is much welcome. It is also rich in antioxidants that reduce the free radicals in that body, which cause inflammation.
4. Packed with energy
The body digests jaggery slowly since it has a longer chain of sucrose. Therefore, releases energy in a sustained manner and keeps you going through the day. People who need to move around a lot throughout the day should definitely consume jaggery to stay active. It is a superfood for athletes as they need extra expendable energy. Eating jaggery also protects you from a glucose crash that can leave you feeling drained and fatigued. Eat jaggery for a spike of energy.
5. Protects against common flu
Flu troubles a lot of people several times a year. Moreover, many people suffer from sinus problems. And COVID-19 also has similar symptoms. Inducing a bit of jaggery in your daily diet boosts your immune system and can protect you against diseases like cough, flu, and the common cold. It has decongestant properties that reduce phlegm in your system and thus increase recovery from cough. It is as beneficial as having honey, ginger, and warm water to solve flu symptoms.
Consult certified nutritionists with FITFEAST to find out which natural foods like jaggery can help you stay healthy and fit.
