Jaggery or Gur: 20 grams contains 38 calories and 9.8 grams of carbohydrate.

Jaggery in India is very popular with the word ‘Gur’ is an unrefined natural sugar that is used to produce without adding any chemicals. Generally, it is used to produce in many parts of the world but India alone produces more than 70 % of the jaggery.

Jaggery has a deep connection with the Indian Ayurveda and it is mentioned as a “medicinal sugar” and is nutritionally equal to honey. Indian Ayurveda has been using jaggery as a medicine for 3000 years. It is used to treat throat and lungs infections as per the Ayurveda. Ayurveda has also classified the benefits of various spices like Cumin, Cinnamon, Mace, etc.

Jaggery is mainly made up of sugarcane juice and hence the botanical name of the jaggery will be based on the sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and comes from the family Poaceae.

Jaggery and human health

Jaggery is known as unrefined sugar hence it contains sugar as a major part but it has a different type of sugar from refined sugar that generally contains glucose and fructose, jaggery contains glucose and sucrose. It also has some extra beneficial compounds like Vitamins and Minerals that sugar lacks. When we talk about the minerals it contains Iron, magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and some amount of Zinc and Copper. Vitamins are also present which include folic acid and B-complex Vitamins.

Jaggery is also used as a good source of energy and it prevents the body from different diseases. Some of the important health benefits are given below.

Important Health Benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery for weight loss

This is the most popular and effective health benefit of Jaggery in today’s world because more than 50 % of Indians are suffering the issue. It helps pour the body by increasing the digestion process and it also throws out the toxins of the body which purifies the blood. It has some nutrition that works to balance the electrolytes which led to the improvement of metabolism, and the potassium present in it allows the water retention from which weight can be handled effectively.

Prevents constipation

The presence of certain types of enzymes in the body helps the body to keep the bowl’s movements on track and it can help to prevent constipation. Eating a small amount of jaggery block can help your body to promote bowel movements.

Help to Boost the Immunity

Jaggery has certain types of anti-oxidants and essential minerals such as Zinc and selenium which help the body to prevent free-radical damage and improve infection tolerance. It is also used to increase the hemoglobin count hence overall it can enhance immunity.

Prevent the Cold and Flu

Jaggery is used to generate heat in the body and this quality makes the jaggery suitable ingredients for the winter season. It also has a naturally pacifying influence that can fight cold and flu. It can be taken with a hot glass of milk before going to bed.

Prevent Anemia

Gur is used for many cures but one of the most Important cures is it prevents the Anemia disease of the human body. It has a huge amount of Iron and folate which works to reduce the RBCs in the body. Generally, doctors also prescribe pregnant women and small teenagers to consume some amount of Jaggery for the proper functioning of the body.

Relieves Menstrual Pain

Women during periods go from severe pain and cramping and it can be cured by consuming warm jaggery with a glass of milk that works as a specific way to treat pain and periods.

Nature has given us many such herbs that are present in our surroundings and have very health benefits for the human body. we should know about such herbs as Cardamom, neem, tea, star anise, Pippali, saffron, sesame seeds, etc.

Also Read: Healthy Effects of Mustard Seeds

Note: You should consult the doctor before using the herb or any medicine for any health-related issues.