Jaggery and sugar are the two most common sweeteners of our daily consumption. Though both these are obtained from sugarcanes, they differ from each other greatly in the context of nutritional properties and benefits. Sugar is the crystallized form of sugarcane juice syrup, refined with chemicals. Jaggery is unprocessed, just boiled and moulded form of sugar syrup and nutritionally better than sugar. In this whole article we will concentrate on how jaggery benefits us over sugar.
What is jaggery?
Jaggery, commonly known as gud, is gaining attention as a substitute against refined sweeteners. In the western world it is often known as brown sugar, obtained from sugarcane or date palm syrup. It is prepared by following few simple steps-the juice is extracted, boiled and kept to be cool when it becomes solid it is packed and stored. No chemical is used during the process.
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How jaggery benefits us?
Jaggery is an unrefined natural sweetener containing more minerals and vitamins. It has antioxidants, thus cleans our body and prevents diseases. It is a healthy addition to our diet as it prevents respiratory problems, controls blood pressure and fights against anemia. Other jaggery benefits include it is a natural energy booster.
Jaggery vs sugar
The difference between jaggery and sugar is huge. From their color, texture to nutritional properties they belong to the different poles. Here we need a vivid analysis to understand which one is better for us. Jaggery is brown in color and semi solid while sugar is white and in crystallized form. Jaggery helps in detoxification, maintains good health with blood pressure, purifies the blood, cleanses stomach, relieves joint pain, prevents anemia and boosts digestion. And sugar holds none of these qualities plus high in sugar and chemicals.
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Let’s focus on the nutritional values:
| Nutrients | Jaggery (per 100 gram) | Sugar (per 100 gram) |
| Vitamin A | 3.9 mg | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 1 mg |
| Magnesium | 160 mg | 0mg |
| Potassium | 140 mg | 2 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg | 0 mg |
| Manganese | .5 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin E | 111.3 mg | 0 mg |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 0.01 mg |
| Protein | 280 mg | 0 mg |
| Fiber | O mg | O mg |
| Calories | 383 kcal | 387 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 97 g | 100 g |
Conclusion
Keeping all that in mind there is no relevance to consume sugar. While jaggery benefits us in a more diverse way. So, switch to jaggery as soon as possible leaving every kind of processed sugar.
