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Sugar and Jaggery are the most widely used sweeteners in Indian households. Jaggery is a caramelised brown or dark brown coloured semi-solid substance commonly used in traditional Indian sweets. There has been a lot of debate on the benefits of Organic Jaggery powder and how it is better than regular White Sugar. 

 

Even though they are extracted mainly from Sugar cane, their making is vastly different. Organic Jaggery is made in a few simple steps without adding any extra chemicals. At the same time, Sugar goes through many more complex steps and is highly processed. Both also have different flavors and textures. 

But why is Organic Jaggery better than Sugar?

Due to the less processed nature of Organic Jaggery powder, it can retain many vitamins and minerals. However, Refined White Sugar has no nutritional profile. It has zero vitamins and minerals. The more Refined the Sugar, the lower its nutritional content. Refined White Sugar has also been linked with many health disorders such as diabetes, obesity, etc. There are a few other reasons why Organic Jaggery can be better when compared to Refined White Sugar.

 

Organic Jaggery is nutrient-dense.
Organic Jaggery powder’s nutritional profile contains vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. It also has many minerals such as Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, and Sodium. These vitamins and minerals help in maintaining balanced nutrition. Whereas, Refined Sugar does not have many vitamins and minerals and has zero nutritional benefits.

Organic Jaggery has antioxidant properties.
Since Organic Jaggery is an unrefined product of Sugarcane juice, it contains certain phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycosides, etc. These are natural chemical substances that are responsible for the antioxidant nature of Jaggery. It also has other health benefits such as reducing inflammation, stress, cell damage, etc. 

Processed White Sugar does not contain any such antioxidant or anti-inflammatory advantages. It does not have any known health benefits. However, Sugar is known to cause inflammation when consumed in higher quantities. 

Organic Jaggery is absorbed slowly and maintains stable blood sugar levels.
Refined White Sugar has one of the highest glycaemic indexes. It means that White Sugar is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream after consumption, resulting in a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. On the other hand, the Organic Jaggery powder has a much lower glycaemic index. It is absorbed into the bloodstream a lot slower, and it does not cause any sudden changes in blood sugar levels and slows digestion. 

Organic Jaggery also has a complex chemical structure, which allows it to be digested slowly. It also helps release energy slowly, and it is easier on the body, causing less stress.

If you are a diabetic patient, Organic Jaggery can be better than Refined White Sugar to maintain blood sugar levels. However, consult your doctor and monitor your blood sugar levels if you are a diabetic patient, even if you want to consume Organic Jaggery every day.

Organic Jaggery boosts immunity.
Because of the antioxidant properties of Organic Jaggery powder, it helps in improving immunity and further keeps the diseases at bay. It also contains minerals and vitamins that aid in boosting immunity. Refined White Sugar does not have any of these properties. Studies have shown that a spike in Sugar levels can suppress the immune system. 

Organic Jaggery has a lesser amount of calories.
Organic Jaggery has slightly fewer calories than the same amount of Refined White Sugar. However, it contains protein, which is not present in Sugar and helps maintain macronutrient levels. If you are trying to lose weight, small quantities of Organic Jaggery can be a better replacement substance for sweetening different foods or beverages. It can also fill the stomach quickly, cause satiety, and prevent overeating.

Other health benefits of Organic Jaggery
Few other health benefits of Organic Jaggery are:

• Helps in reducing infection due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Purifies blood
• It helps in treating anaemia as it has iron
• It helps in improving digestion
• It relieves stress
• It promotes better digestion
• It aids in controlling blood pressure
• Relieves menstrual pain
• Relieves joint pain
• Helps in relieving constipation

Although the process behind some of these benefits of Organic Jaggery is not fully understood, it has been used in India for centuries. All these additional health benefits of Organic Jaggery powder make it a much better option than Refined Sugar.

Organic Jaggery does not cause an energy crash.
Food products with high quantities of Sugar and low protein, fibre, or fat can lead to a brief energy boost. However, this rise in levels of energy is very fleeting. A sudden drop quickly follows it in blood sugar levels, often referred to as a crash. These constant blood sugar swings can lead to mood and energy levels fluctuations. Organic Jaggery does not cause a crash.

To prevent these fluctuating cycles, choose food sources high in carbs, rich in fibre, and low in added Sugar.

Disadvantages of regular Refined White Sugar

The Refined White Sugar does not have any after-taste. Hence it is the most preferred sweetening product in the world. However, the taste comes at a price of many side effects and disadvantages.