Jaggery has been used by human beings since the Neolithic era, and it’s still widely popular in countries like India. It’s an unrefined sweetener made from sugar cane, and while its calorie content isn’t too high, it still provides some nutrition in the form of fiber and minerals. Jaggery can be used as a spread on bread or toast, or you can use it to create delicious desserts and snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth without adding extra calories to your diet. Learn more about jaggery and why you should include it in your diet!
What Is Jaggery?
Jaggery is an unrefined sweetener made from either cane or date palm sap, depending on where you live. It’s similar to molasses and has a distinct flavor that differs from region to region—in India, for example, most people prefer jaggery made from palm sap. Some countries export it, but it’s still primarily consumed domestically.
Benefits Of This Healthy Sweetener
This sweetener is a great alternative to refined sugar and it’s loaded with health benefits. In fact, studies have shown that jaggery can help lower cholesterol, boost immunity and fight infections. But that’s not all! It also contains minerals like calcium, iron and potassium which are essential for overall good health. And did we mention that it tastes delicious? Whether you use it as a substitute for table sugar or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, you’ll be sure to love how much healthier (and tastier) your food becomes when you start using jaggery.
How To Use This Healthier Option?
The unrefined sugars known as jaggery and palm sugar have been used for thousands of years, but there is still confusion about how to use them today. To clear things up, we asked Renee Shepherd, Registered Dietitian at MedStar Health Wellness & Weight Management Center, for her expert advice on health benefits and nutrition facts. Below are some answers to common questions about these traditional sweeteners. It’s important to note that palm sugar is a natural form of sugar derived from palm trees.
How Much Should I Consume?
With any health product, it’s important to know how much you should consume for best results. For jaggery, a single teaspoon can be consumed as a sweetener for beverages like coffee or tea. It also works well as an addition to recipes for candies and desserts. Some people use jaggery as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar in cakes and cookies.
