Jaggery is a natural sweetener that comes from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It has a brown color and a unique flavor that depends on where it is made. Jaggery is popular in India and other parts of Asia and Africa as a healthier alternative to white sugar. Jaggery has more nutrients than white sugar, as it keeps some of the good stuff that is usually removed during the refining process. Jaggery also has some health benefits that may make you want to try it. Here are some of them:
Jaggery may help you avoid anemia: Anemia is when your blood does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body. This can make you feel tired, weak, and pale. One of the reasons why you may get anemia is not having enough iron in your diet. Iron is important for making hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your blood cells. Jaggery has a lot of iron for a plant food. Eating a little bit of jaggery every day may help you get enough iron and prevent or treat anemia.
Jaggery may help your digestion: Jaggery can help your digestion and appetite by making your digestive juices and bile flow better. These are the fluids that help break down food and take out the nutrients. Jaggery can also help you go to the bathroom regularly by making your stool softer and easier to pass. Many people in India eat jaggery after meals to help their digestion and avoid stomach problems.
Jaggery may clean your liver: Your liver is the organ that cleans your blood and body from toxins and wastes. Jaggery may help your liver do its job better by getting rid of harmful substances. Jaggery can make your liver enzymes work better and faster to break down and remove toxins. Jaggery can also protect your liver from damage by reducing stress and inflammation in your liver cells.
Jaggery may boost your immune system: Your immune system is the system that protects you from infections and diseases. Jaggery may help make your immune system stronger by giving you antioxidants, minerals, and plant chemicals that fight against bad things like free radicals, bacteria, viruses, and other enemies. Jaggery can also balance your immune system and reduce inflammation, which can cause many chronic diseases.
Jaggery may improve your skin health: Your skin is the biggest organ of your body and shows how healthy you are inside. Jaggery may help you have healthy and beautiful skin by feeding it from within. Jaggery can give you antioxidants that prevent skin aging and damage caused by sun, pollution, and stress. Jaggery can also improve blood flow to your skin, which can make it heal and grow better. Jaggery can also prevent or treat skin problems like infections, acne, pimples, and marks by its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Jaggery is a tasty and healthy way to sweeten your food and drinks. But you should eat jaggery in moderation, as it still has a lot of calories and carbs. Eating too much jaggery can make you gain weight, get diabetes, have tooth decay, and other issues. You should also talk to your doctor before eating jaggery if you have any health conditions or allergies that may affect you.