Unveiling the Sweet Secrets & Health Benefits of Jaggery Powder

My sweet transformation of life with a humble jar began when my grandmother handed me a small container filled with golden-brown jaggery powder (also known as Gur/Shakkar in Hindi).

She simply smiled and said, “This is the nature’s sweet gift. Let it weave its magic in your life.”

Curiosity piqued, I explored the world of jaggery – caramel-like taste but also the treasure trove of health benefits concealed in its unassuming appearance.

What is Jaggery & Jagger Powder?

Jaggery ^[1] is an unrefined natural sweetener derived from concentrated sugarcane juice. It adds a rich flavor to dishes, and jaggery powder (blended jaggery) boasts several health benefits. So, it has been a staple in traditional diets for centuries.

Good quality jaggery powder is prepared in almost all parts of India. It is also known as Shakkar, Gur, Gud, Vellum, Bella, and Jaggery.

Nutritional Value of Jaggery Powder

Jaggery powder is rich in important minerals and vitamins. Per 100g of gur powder contains-

Shakkar/Gur is a high-quality sweetener containing glucose and fructose. It contains almost 70% ^[2] sucrose compared to white sugar containing 99.7% sucrose.

Tip: Replace white sugar with jaggery and value-add it with natural spices to enjoy numerous health benefits.

Types of Jaggery Powder

Jaggery powder is available in different types, and based on the source of the sweetener, here are common types of it-

• Sugarcane Jaggery– It is derived from sugarcane juice and can range from light golden color to dark brown. It has a molasses flavor in it.
• Palm Jaggery– It is derived from the sap of various palm trees such as date palms. Because it is darker than sugarcane jaggery, it has a unique flavor profile.
• Coconut Jaggery: It is made from the sap of coconut trees and has a unique flavor with subtle coconut undertones.
• Date Palm Jaggery: It is obtained from the sap of date palms, and the color varies from light brown to dark brown, having a distinctive date-like richness.

Health Benefits of Jaggery Powder

Scientific studies over time have shown various health benefits of gur powder. So, let’s dive into the details and learn more about the benefits of gur powder.

1. Jaggery Powder is rich in Nutrients

A recent research study shows that Gur contains nutrients that have a therapeutic advantage for the body.

It is a good quality gur powder that elevates the human life span as it contains high amounts of phenol ^[3].

Organic jaggery is chemical-free, eliminating impurities and boosting nervous system functioning. So, it is paired with different natural flavorings like black pepper, ginger, lemon, etc., enhancing the taste and nutritional benefits.

2. Shakkar/Gur aids in Digestion

One of the notable benefits of jaggery powder is its digestive properties.

According to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine ^[4], gur’s medicinal benefits act as a remedy for cough and stomach ache, gastric acidity, constipation, and indigestion. So, many naturopaths advise eating jaggery after a meal to aid digestion.

It boosts the natural digestive enzymes and speeds up the digestion process. Also, consuming a small amount of jaggery can help alleviate digestive issues like digestive disorders, facilitating smooth digestion and a happy tummy. So, you can take a simple and quick Digestive Quotient Test to know if you have a happy tummy or not.

3. Jaggery powder improves Skin Health

Shakkar/Gur powder is packed with antioxidants that help in combating free radicals in the body. Consumption of jaggery detoxifies the blood and boosts hemoglobin (Hb) counts ^[5].

Also, it reduces the signs of aging and enhances the body’s overall immunity.

The glycolic acid in the gur powder also helps lower blemishes and skin irritations.

4. Jaggery purifies blood and prevents Anemia

In 2017, research was conducted amongst the pregnant women of Kolar district, India, and it was found that more than 63% of the women are anemic, and it is important to maintain adequate levels of RBC in their body ^[7].

Another research by the National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology shows that after 8 weeks of supplementing jaggery and raisins, a significant rise in their Hb levels was observed^[8].

So, keep symptoms of Anemia at bay by consuming jaggery after meals. And, a combination of jaggery and raisins plays an effective role in nutritional supplements and improves the Hb status of the body.

5. Jaggery powder as an Energy Booster

Jaggery powder is more complex than sugar and is made up of sucrose, which is digested slower in the body, thereby releasing energy slowly.

So, it cleanses the lungs, esophagus, intestines, and respiratory tracts ^[9].

Also, jaggery offers a sustained release of energy, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

Comparison between Jaggery Powder and Sugar

Utilizing Jaggery Powder in Your Diet

• Jaggery Tea: It is a warm and comforting beverage with a hint of jaggery in it that not only satisfies the sweet cravings but also boosts metabolism and energy levels.
• Jaggery Smoothie: Blend jaggery powder with fruits like berries, apples, and bananas with a splash of milk to prepare a nutrient-booster smoothie. It refreshes your gut and cleanses the blood.
• Jaggery Desserts: Replace white sugar with jaggery powder in your dessert recipes, whether it is a jaggery cookie, pudding, rasmalai, or even cake. Additionally, it adds a unique taste to satisfy the sweet cravings.
• Jaggery Ladoo: So, prepare jaggery ladoos with Aashirvaad Atta/Besan, and a splash of ghee on festive occasions to avoid loads of sugar-coated mithai.
• Jaggery Yoghurt: Layer your yogurt with shakkar and fresh fruits with granola to enjoy it as a wholesome meal. So, dive into the guilt-free indulgence and healthy snack.
• Indian Chutneys: Jaggery can be used to make Indian green chutney and chatpati khatti-meethi chutney. As a result, store them for a longer period of time.

Side Effects of Jaggery Powder

While there are numerous benefits of jaggery, you must also know some side effects related to its consumption ^[10].

• Excessive consumption: Consuming too much jaggery powder can lead to weight gain and problems of obesity; hence, it should be consumed in a moderate amount.
• Diarrhea: Jaggery may even cause diarrhea or abdominal pain if consumed too much.
• Diabetes: It is not recommended for people who are trying to lose weight with diabetes.

Final word

Jaggery is a great source of energy, boosting the metabolism of the body. It acts as a great alternative to white sugar, regulating the digestive system and strengthening immunity.

While it can even help in weight loss, it is not recommended for people with diabetes.

However, moderation is the key to consuming jaggery. Also, It has higher medicinal and nutritional values when compared to other sweeteners and is easily available in almost all parts of India.

So, jaggery powder is associated with an elevation in the human life span and is therefore considered as a better alternative to sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions