Facts you should know about Jaggery

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 18 October 2022

Jaggery Jaggery is a sweetener that is gaining popularity as a "healthy" substitute for sugar, according to Helen West of Healthline. Furthermore, this sweetener has received a serious health boost. Jaggery, also known as a "superfood sweetener," is an unrefined sugar product produced in Asia and Africa. Because it is not spun during processing to remove the nutritious molasses, it is sometimes referred to as a "non-centrifugal sugar." Similar non-centrifugal sugar products can be found throughout Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean under various names. Around 70% of the world's jaggery production occurs in India, where it is commonly referred to as "gur." It is typically made from sugar cane. According to Helen West, jaggery made from date palm is also popular in a number of countries.

How is it produced? Traditional methods of pressing and distilling palm or cane juice are used to make jaggery. This is a three-step procedure. The extraction process begins with pressing the canes or palms to extract the sweet juice or sap. The juice is then allowed to stand in large containers for clarification, allowing any sediment to settle to the bottom. The mixture is then strained to yield a clear liquid. The juice is then concentrated by boiling it in a very large, flat-bottomed pan. Is it healthier than sugar? Because of its molasses content, jaggery contains more nutrients than refined sugar. Molasses is a nutritious byproduct of the sugar-making process that is typically removed when refined sugar is produced. Molasses adds a small number of micronutrients to the final product. The nutritional profile of this sweetener varies depending on the type of plant used to produce it (cane or palm). A review by the Journal of Food, Processing, and Technology, 100 grams (half a cup) of jaggery may contain 383 calories, 65–85 grams of sucrose, 10–15 grams of fructose and glucose, 0.4 grams of Protein, 0.1 grams of fat, 11 mg, or 61% of the RDI of Iron, 70-90 mg, or about 20% of the RDI of Magnesium, 1050 mg, or 30% of the RDI of Potassium, and 0.2–0.5 mg, or 10–20% of the RDI of Manganese. Jaggery may also have trace amounts of B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and copper.

When compared to refined sugar, jaggery appears to be more nutritious. Refined white sugar contains only "empty calories," or calories that lack vitamins and minerals. Jaggery is more nutritious than sugar gram for gram, according to Nutrition Data. However, there is a big "but" when it comes to describing it as nutritious. It's still sugar, and any extra nutrients you get to come with a lot of calories. You'd also have to eat a lot of jaggeries to get a significant amount of these nutrients, which are available in much higher amounts from other sources. So, while replacing refined sugar with a sweetener rich in vitamins and minerals may be slightly "healthier," adding jaggery to your diet is not recommended.

Jaggery, like sugar, is versatile, according to Helen West. It can be grated or broken up and used in place of refined sugar in any food or beverage. In India, it is frequently combined with coconuts, peanuts, and condensed milk to create traditional desserts and candies. These include jaggery cake and chakkara pongal, a kind of rice and milk dessert. It is also used to make traditional alcoholic beverages such as palm wine, as well as for non-food purposes such as fabric dyeing. This sweetener is commonly used as a sugar substitute in baking in the Western world. It can also be used to sweeten beverages such as tea and coffee.

One reason jaggery is becoming more popular is that it is thought to be more nutritious than refined white sugar. It is also said to have a variety of health benefits. Some claim it aids digestion and stimulates bowel movements, making it an excellent choice for preventing constipation. According to a 2016 clinical practice guideline, jaggery contains sucrose but almost no fiber or water — two dietary factors known to aid in regular bowel movements. According to some research, the iron in non-centrifugal sugars is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from other plant sources. Jaggery contains approximately 11 mg of iron per 100 grams or approximately 61% of the RDI. Jaggery is frequently added to tonics used to treat a variety of ailments in India. People believe that jaggery's minerals and antioxidants can boost the immune system and aid in the recovery from illnesses such as the common cold and flu.

You'll get a few more nutrients if you replace white sugar with jaggery. It is therefore a healthier option. However, rather than relying on your preferred sweetener as a source of nutrients, you should aim to obtain nutrients from the foods you consume. At the end of the day, jaggery is still sugar and should be used in moderation.

ZS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

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