Jaggery
Jaggery
Jaggery is popularly known as “Guda”. It is a pure, wholesome, unrefined form of sugar which contains the natural goodness of minerals and vitamins produced from sugarcane. Jaggery is used as a healthy sweetener. It is available in solid, liquid and powder form.
Jaggery is known to produce heat and provides instant energy to the human body. It prevents constipation due to its laxative property and activates digestive enzymes. As per Ayurveda, eating Jaggery daily after meals improves digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property.
Eating Jaggery might also help in weight loss by preventing retention of water in the body due to the presence of potassium in it.
It is advisable to avoid excessive consumption of Jaggery as it may upset the stomach[2][3].
Jaggery is known to produce heat and provides instant energy to the human body. It prevents constipation due to its laxative property and activates digestive enzymes. As per Ayurveda, eating Jaggery daily after meals improves digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property.
Eating Jaggery might also help in weight loss by preventing retention of water in the body due to the presence of potassium in it.
It is advisable to avoid excessive consumption of Jaggery as it may upset the stomach[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Jaggery?
Saccharum officinarum, Guda, Bella, Sarkara, Vellam, Bellam[1].
What is the source of Jaggery?
Plant Based
Benefits of Jaggery
1. Indigestion
Indigestion occurs due to incomplete process of digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Jaggery helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improve digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property.
Tip to use Jaggery to get relief from Indigestion-
a. Take a piece of Jaggery, around 2-3 inches.
b. Consume it daily after meals to help fasten and improve digestion.
2. Loss of appetite
In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is correlated with Agnimandya (weak digestion). Loss of appetite is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas, as well as certain psychological factors. This leads to incomplete digestion of food and causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which results in appetite loss. Jaggery helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improves appetite due to its Ushna (hot) property. It is also considered to be a good digestive stimulant and appetizer according to Ayurveda.
3. Anemia
Deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood is known as Anemia, wherein the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood gets reduced. Anemia, called Pandu in Ayurveda, is a condition that occurs due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha and leads to certain symptoms like weakness. Old Jaggery helps in reducing the symptoms of Anemia due to its Pitta-balancing property. It also helps in maintaining the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) property.
Tip to use Jaggery to help manage Anemia-
a. Take a small piece of Jaggery, around 10-15 grams.
b. Consume it daily in any form with food.
c. Consume it daily to recover hemoglobin in the blood and also prevent its loss, thereby managing the symptoms of Anemia.
4. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. It leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of fat and Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. Jaggery helps manage Obesity due to its Ushna (hot) property which helps improve digestion and prevents the formation of toxins. Jaggery also possesses Snigdha (oily) property which helps in normal passage of stool, leading to the release of toxins from the body, thereby maintaining normal body weight.
Tip to use Jaggery to manage Obesity-
Jaggery can be consumed in any form to help promote weight loss.
1. You can prepare tea normally and replace sugar with Jaggery.
2. This helps improve body metabolism and promotes weight loss.
Indigestion occurs due to incomplete process of digestion of the ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Jaggery helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improve digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property.
Tip to use Jaggery to get relief from Indigestion-
a. Take a piece of Jaggery, around 2-3 inches.
b. Consume it daily after meals to help fasten and improve digestion.
2. Loss of appetite
In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is correlated with Agnimandya (weak digestion). Loss of appetite is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas, as well as certain psychological factors. This leads to incomplete digestion of food and causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which results in appetite loss. Jaggery helps enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improves appetite due to its Ushna (hot) property. It is also considered to be a good digestive stimulant and appetizer according to Ayurveda.
3. Anemia
Deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood is known as Anemia, wherein the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood gets reduced. Anemia, called Pandu in Ayurveda, is a condition that occurs due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha and leads to certain symptoms like weakness. Old Jaggery helps in reducing the symptoms of Anemia due to its Pitta-balancing property. It also helps in maintaining the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) property.
Tip to use Jaggery to help manage Anemia-
a. Take a small piece of Jaggery, around 10-15 grams.
b. Consume it daily in any form with food.
c. Consume it daily to recover hemoglobin in the blood and also prevent its loss, thereby managing the symptoms of Anemia.
4. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. It leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of fat and Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. Jaggery helps manage Obesity due to its Ushna (hot) property which helps improve digestion and prevents the formation of toxins. Jaggery also possesses Snigdha (oily) property which helps in normal passage of stool, leading to the release of toxins from the body, thereby maintaining normal body weight.
Tip to use Jaggery to manage Obesity-
Jaggery can be consumed in any form to help promote weight loss.
1. You can prepare tea normally and replace sugar with Jaggery.
2. This helps improve body metabolism and promotes weight loss.
Precautions when using Jaggery
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Jaggery contains high amount of sucrose which might lead to an increase in the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. So, it is generally advisable for diabetic patients to avoid or consult a physician before taking Jaggery[6].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Enough scientific information is not available regarding the use of Jaggery in pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Jaggery during pregnancy[7].
FAQs about Jaggery precautions
Recommended Dosage of Jaggery
- Jaggery Powder - 5-30 g of Jaggery (or as directed by a physician) a day[6].
How to use Jaggery
Jaggery Chapati
a. Take ½ a cup of milk and then add 3 cups of Jaggery (in a grated form) to it.
b. Mix both on low heat.
c. Cool and then mix in some salt (as per requirement), ghee and a cup of milk.
d. Make a dough by adding milk.
e. Roll the dough to make chapatis.
a. Take ½ a cup of milk and then add 3 cups of Jaggery (in a grated form) to it.
b. Mix both on low heat.
c. Cool and then mix in some salt (as per requirement), ghee and a cup of milk.
d. Make a dough by adding milk.
e. Roll the dough to make chapatis.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Good quality Jaggery should have the right flavor, color and hardness. The presence of crystals in the Jaggery means that it has been processed with some other techniques to make it sweeter. The color also plays an important role to identify the purity of Jaggery, preferably the color should be dark brown.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery can be added to milk. You can grate Jaggery or use Jaggery powder to add to milk in place of sugar.
Ayurvedic View
Although Jaggery is not classified into different types, but according to Ayurveda it is segregated according to time intervals such as Naveen Guda (new Jaggery), Purana Guda (1-year-old Jaggery) and Prapurana Guda (3-year-old Jaggery). The older the Jaggery is, the more beneficial it is for health. However, if Jaggery is older than 4 years, then it starts losing its potency and might cause some problems like cough and dyspnea.
Modern Science View
Jaggery is prepared from the sugar that is unrefined. This is obtained by boiling the juice of raw sugar cane until it gets solidified.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery is recommended to be eaten after meals daily as it prevents constipation and helps in digestion by activating the digestive enzymes in our body.
Modern Science View
Eating too much Jaggery is not considered to be a good option. Despite having various medicinal benefits, Jaggery is still sugar. So, the excessive consumption of sweeteners should be avoided as it might deplete the immune system[13].
Modern Science View
The difference between Jaggery and sugar is their composition. Sugar is the simple form of sucrose which gets digested faster and energy is released immediately whereas Jaggery is made up of longer chains of mineral salts, sucrose, and fiber.
Since, Jaggery is prepared in iron vessels, it is rich in iron. Jaggery consumption is recommended over sugar in cases of patients with iron deficiency. It also acts as a cleansing agent as it helps clean the lungs and respiratory tract. So, it is advisable to substitute sugar with Jaggery[2][3].
Since, Jaggery is prepared in iron vessels, it is rich in iron. Jaggery consumption is recommended over sugar in cases of patients with iron deficiency. It also acts as a cleansing agent as it helps clean the lungs and respiratory tract. So, it is advisable to substitute sugar with Jaggery[2][3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help in weight reduction due to the presence of potassium. High Potassium content in Jaggery prevents retention of water in the body and results in weight loss[2].
Modern Science View
Anemia is a condition in which the red blood cells or the hemoglobin is less than normal. Jaggery prevents anemia due to the presence of high iron content in it. Iron helps in blood production, thereby providing healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. This helps transfer sufficient oxygen in the blood from the lungs to various body tissues[3][5].
Modern Science View
Both Jaggery as well as sugar are made up of sucrose. So to choose one over the other might not be a good option for diabetic patients. The difference between the two is that sugar is made up of simple sucrose and gets instantly absorbed into the blood which results in a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Jaggery, on the other hand, has long chains of sucrose and takes time to breakdown and get absorbed. It does not cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels as compared to sugar. So, Jaggery might be a better option for diabetic patients than sugar[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help manage acidity due to the presence of potassium. It helps manage the level of acidity by reducing the accumulation of acids in the stomach[4].
Ayurvedic View
Acidity is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. In spite of being Ushan (hot) in nature, Jaggery helps manage acidity by improving digestion. Its Ushna (hot) nature helps improve the Agni (digestive fire) which further improves digestion, thereby providing relief from acidity.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help in asthma due to its cleansing action. It cleans the lungs and respiratory tract which helps ease breathing. People who come in contact with dust and dirt on a daily basis can take Jaggery regularly to keep their air passages healthy[2].
Ayurvedic View
Asthma is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha and leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath. Jaggery might help reduce the symptoms of asthma due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties. Consuming old Jaggery also helps maintain the overall health of a person due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) property.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to suggest a definitive role of Jaggery in arthritis.
Ayurvedic View
Arthritis is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha and leads to certain symptoms like pain and swelling. Jaggery might help reduce the symptoms, like pain, due to its Vata balancing property and provide relief.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help in digestion due to the presence of potassium. It helps manage the level of acidity by reducing the accumulation of acids in the stomach[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery is considered to be good for bodybuilding due to the presence of high potassium content that helps in improving the body's metabolism[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Jaggery might be beneficial in bodybuilding due to its Balya (strength provider) property. It provides strength to the bones and muscles of an individual which helps to improve the overall health or build up a healthy body.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might be good for blood pressure due to the presence of potassium and low sodium amount. It helps lower blood pressure levels by counteracting the negative effects of salt[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help reduce bloating because of the presence of high potassium and low sodium content in it. This helps to maintain the acid balance in the body cells, thereby providing relief from bloating[2][8].
Ayurvedic View
Bloating is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. Jaggery helps helps to enhance the Agni (digestive fire) and improve digestion due to its Ushna (hot) nature, thereby reducing bloating.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help manage the nervous system due to the presence of magnesium. Magnesium strengthens the human nervous system and helps to relax the muscles. It also acts as an antioxidant to prevent the nerve cell damage and keep the blood vessels healthy[3].
Modern Science View
Jaggery chapati can be made by the following method:
1. Take ½ cup of Jaggery powder and add 2 tablespoons of water to it.
2. Keep it aside for 10 minutes until the Jaggery completely dissolves in water.
3. In another bowl, take about 1-1.5 cup of wheat flour and add a few fennel seeds and ghee to it.
4. Use the Jaggery water paste to knead the flour. You can also add some more water if required.
5. Apply some ghee on the rolling board and make a small ball of dough.
6. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough ball into a circular chapati.
7. Heat a pan and put this chapati on it.
8. Flip it and wait for the other side to get brown.
9. Apply ghee on it and flip again to cook properly.
10. Jaggery chapati is ready to serve.
Benefit: Eating Jaggery chapati might help in detoxification of the body.
1. Take ½ cup of Jaggery powder and add 2 tablespoons of water to it.
2. Keep it aside for 10 minutes until the Jaggery completely dissolves in water.
3. In another bowl, take about 1-1.5 cup of wheat flour and add a few fennel seeds and ghee to it.
4. Use the Jaggery water paste to knead the flour. You can also add some more water if required.
5. Apply some ghee on the rolling board and make a small ball of dough.
6. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough ball into a circular chapati.
7. Heat a pan and put this chapati on it.
8. Flip it and wait for the other side to get brown.
9. Apply ghee on it and flip again to cook properly.
10. Jaggery chapati is ready to serve.
Benefit: Eating Jaggery chapati might help in detoxification of the body.
Modern Science View
Yes, Jaggery might help manage cough and cold as it acts as a natural cleansing agent of the lungs. It helps to clean the respiratory passages and helps ease breathing[2].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to suggest the role of Jaggery in cholesterol.
Ayurvedic View
Cholesterol occurs due to weak or poor digestion that leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of Ama. Jaggery helps manage cholesterol by improving digestion and preventing the formation of toxins due to its Ushna (hot) property. Jaggery also possesses Snigdha (oily) property which helps in the normal passage of stool and further leads to the release of toxins from the body, thereby maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific information is not available to support the role of Jaggery for eyes.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific information is not available to support the role of Jaggery in fertility.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Jaggery in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the presence of magnesium in Jaggery might help in digestion and reduce stomach acidity[8].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific information is not available to support the role of Jaggery in PCOS.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Jaggery for the heart. However, it might help manage heart functioning due to its antioxidant property[9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Jaggery is also beneficial for the heart due to its Hrdya (heart tonic) property. It helps strengthen the heart muscles and improves heart functioning.
Ayurvedic View
Piles is a condition that generally occurs due to constipation. Jaggery helps manage piles due to its Snigdha (oily) property. It helps reduce the dryness of the intestines and provides oiliness leading to easy passage of stool which helps prevent piles.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Jaggery in causing gas.
Modern Science View
No, Jaggery does not cause diarrhea. In fact, when Jaggery is mixed with bael fruit and taken 3 times a day, it might prevent diarrhea[10].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Jaggery might lead to weight gain due to its Medovriddhi (increase in adipose tissue) property. It leads to an aggravated Kapha dosha which results in an increase in the formation of adipose tissue (fat) in the body, causing weight gain.
Modern Science View
Technically, both palm jaggery and normal jaggery are plant-based. However, palm jaggery is made by reducing the sap of palms, while normal jaggery is made from sugarcane. Also, palm jaggery and normal jaggery are different in taste. Jaggery made from sugarcane is much sweeter in taste than palm jaggery. Palm jaggery has a number of vitamins and minerals present in it. It helps restore healthy digestion and relieve constipation. Palm jaggery is basically a nutrient-rich variety of raw jaggery.
Modern Science View
Jaggery being rich in potassium helps prevent water retention. It also helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance. Jaggery contains small amounts of B group of vitamins and minerals like calcium, zinc, phosphorus and copper. It is also considered as a cleansing agent.
It helps clean lungs, stomach, intestines, esophagus and respiratory tracts[12].
It helps clean lungs, stomach, intestines, esophagus and respiratory tracts[12].
Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda suggests that Rasayana (rejuvenation) and Balya (strength) properties of Jaggery promotes and maintains your overall health. It also acts as a great stimulant of digestive enzymes in the body which can prove to be beneficial for digestion. In addition to that, it can help to remove the general weakness of the body. Adding Old Jaggery in your diet can help reduce the symptoms of weakness by increasing vitamins and minerals in the body[15].
How to include Jaggery in diet:
You can take a small piece of Jaggery (around 10-15 grams) after a heavy meal.
You can include jaggery in your beverages in place of sugar.
You can make jaggery-flavoured candy (chiki).
Word of caution: Jaggery may be beneficial than sugar but still it is a form of sugar. Overconsumption of any form of sweet is not good for health. Keep a close check on the quantity you eat.
How to include Jaggery in diet:
You can take a small piece of Jaggery (around 10-15 grams) after a heavy meal.
You can include jaggery in your beverages in place of sugar.
You can make jaggery-flavoured candy (chiki).
Word of caution: Jaggery may be beneficial than sugar but still it is a form of sugar. Overconsumption of any form of sweet is not good for health. Keep a close check on the quantity you eat.
Modern Science View
Jaggery is a product of palm or sugarcane. The exact nutrition profile of jaggery can vary, depending on the type of plant used to make it (cane or palm). It is rich in important minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus and zinc[13]. The micronutrients present in the jaggery contain antitoxic and anti-carcinogenic properties[14].
Modern Science View
Jaggery can be used as an alternative to sugar in your cup of tea. Adding jaggery to your morning tea can not only add a different taste to your tea but also provide numerous benefits like:
improve your digestion by increasing digestive fire.
give you instant energy to kick start your daily routine by boosting your metabolism.
help maintain your body weight by removing toxins from your body.
Note: Diabetic patients should consult the doctor before adding Jaggery to their diet.
improve your digestion by increasing digestive fire.
give you instant energy to kick start your daily routine by boosting your metabolism.
help maintain your body weight by removing toxins from your body.
Note: Diabetic patients should consult the doctor before adding Jaggery to their diet.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Shrivastav P, Verma AK, Walia R, et al.Jaggery: A revolution in the field of natural sweetners.EJPMR. 2016;3(3):198-202.
- Rajesh CK, Shajahan MA, Shahul Hameed A.Ayurvedic review on Guda (Jaggery) .Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci.2016;5(5):68-76.
- Ravisankar P,Koushik OS,Reddy AA, et al.A detailed analysis on acidity and ulcers in esophagus, gastric and duodenal ulcers and management.IOSR.2016;15(1):94-114.
- Resmi S, Latheef F, Vijayaraghavan R.Effectiveness of Herbal Extract in Enhancing the Level of HB among Adolescent Girls with Iron Deficiency Anemia at Selected Higher Secondary Schools at Bangalore.IJHSR.2016;6(10):2016.
- Chhajer B.Tips for Diabetes Patients.Fusion Books.2016.
- National Institute of Nutrition, Dietary Guidelines for Indians, A Manual, 2nd Edition 2010;14-16, 32-34.
- Deotale S, Bhotmange MG, Halde P, et al. Study of traditional Indian sweetener ‘Jaggery’ and its storage behavior. International Journal of Chemical Studies 2019; 7(3): 410-416.
- Johari H. Ayurvedic healing cuisine.Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, 2000.
- Ullikashi KY, Kammar MR, Lokapure SR. Development of Value added products from Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos). Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. 2017;6(7):2652-2659.
- Monks at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Monk’s Cookbook. Himalayan Academy Publications, 2005.
- Kumar A, Singh S. The benefit of Indian jaggery over sugar on human health.
- Nath A, Dutta D, Kumar P, Singh JP. Review on recent advances in value addition of jaggery based products. J Food Process Technol. 2015, 6: 440.
- Sahu AP, Paul BN. The role of dietary whole sugar-jaggery in prevention of resugar-jaggery in prevention of respiratory toxicity of air toxics and in lung cancer. Toxicol Lett.1998, 95: 154.
- Umate PR, Deogade M, Pargaonkar A, Umate JP, Kanyal L. Comparison of properties of naveen, puran and suryatapi guda (Jaggery) with respect to guru and laghuguna - an observational study. Int J Curr Res Rev.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.