Sugar has been an integral part of our diet for generations. It not only enhances the taste of desserts but also provides energy to our bodies. However, in recent decades, the negative effects of refined sugar have become apparent due to poor lifestyle choices. People worldwide are experiencing issues such as type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, obesity, dental problems, and even neurological disorders.

This leads us to the healthier alternative to sugar—organic jaggery. With an increasing number of health experts recommending the use of organic jaggery, it is essential to understand how and why it is better for our health.

In this blog, we will provide factual information about organic jiggery powder and explain why making the switch is a wise decision.

Why is organic jaggery a healthier alternative to sugar?

Both jaggery, also known as gur, and sugar are sweeteners derived from sugarcane juice. The key difference lies in their processing, which determines their nutritional content and health benefits.

Sugar contains approximately 99.9% sucrose and undergoes a refining process that strips it of moisture, color, and nutrients. The resulting crystallized form is often considered empty calories.

Jaggery, on the other hand, is less processed. It is made by boiling sugarcane juice until it thickens and achieves a sticky consistency. Dark in color with a delightful caramel-like flavor, jaggery retains more of its natural molasses content.

Organic jaggery takes these benefits further by being unrefined and free from chemicals and preservatives.

Let's explore some science-backed reasons to switch from refined sugar to organic jaggery:

Higher nutritional content

Organic jaggery retains a significant amount of its nutritional content due to minimal processing. This makes it a healthier option and helps prevent various deficiencies and diseases.

Here's a comparison of the nutritional content in 100 grams of organic jaggery versus refined sugar:

Nutrient	Organic jaggery	Refined sugar
Calcium	80 mg	1 mg
Vitamin A	3.8 mg	0 mg
Magnesium	160 mg	0 mg
Vitamin E	111.30 mg	0 mg
Iron	5.4 mg	0.01 mg
Protein	280 mg	0 mg

 

Improved digestion

Consuming organic jaggery is a natural way to stimulate a sluggish digestive system. It promotes the production of digestive enzymes, which are converted into acetic acid. This not only aids digestion but also helps prevent common issues like constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Liver detoxification

Certain substances, such as alcohol, nutritional supplements, and certain medications, can cause inflammation and damage to the liver. Organic jaggery acts as a natural cleanser, helping to eliminate toxins from the liver and maintain its health.

Enhanced immunity

A strong immune system is essential for protecting against diseases. Poor nutrition, acquired infections, and unhealthy lifestyle choices can weaken immunity. Organic jaggery contains essential immune-boosting nutrients like zinc, selenium, and antioxidants. Regular consumption can strengthen your immune system over time.

Anemia prevention

Inadequate iron intake or conditions like infections, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders can lead to anemia. Anemia causes fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, cold extremities, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Organic jaggery is rich in iron and promotes red blood cell production, helping prevent anemia. This is particularly beneficial for children, older adults, and pregnant women.

Respiratory health

Smoking, long-term exposure to pollution, and dust can lead to respiratory problems ranging from difficulty breathing to more severe conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis. Organic jaggery has been shown to act as a lung cleanser and helps prevent respiratory issues.

Choosing the best organic jaggery

To fully enjoy the benefits of organic jaggery, it is important to select the purest form available. Here are some guidelines for choosing safe-to-consume jaggery:

·         Opt for dark brown-colored jaggery.

·         Avoid jaggery with a salty or bitter taste.

·         Ensure there are no sugar crystals in the jaggery.

·         Look for packaging that mentions "organic" or "certified."

Conclusion

Adya Organics' organic jaggery meets all these criteria. Our jaggery, curated by Luke Coutinho, an integrative health and lifestyle medicine specialist, is free from toxins, chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Join us in making the switch to 100% safe and natural products. Contact us today to embark on a healthier journey.