Jaggery or Gur is the traditional sweetener for coffee, tea, and other desserts. Jaggery is an alternative to regular sugar for many health benefits. Though it is an unrefined form of the same sugar substance, it retains many nutrients without added chemicals. Jaggery provides several health benefits to diabetics, including fiber and essential nutrients to the body. So there is a debate: "Is Jaggery good for diabetics or not? In today's article, we will find out, "Is Jaggery safe for diabetic patients, or should it be avoided entirely by diabetics, along with sugar?

Is jaggery good for diabetics?

Please have a look at Jaggery's nutrient profile. Jaggery is an iron that helps regulate blood pressure and releases stress. It can also help with digestion but is it good for diabetics? Jagger's high glycemic index and high glycemic food are not good for diabetic patients. Generally, leaving sweets and sugar is a big part of the life of a person with diabetes, and they should not consume any sugar forms, but Jaggery can be consumed in small quantities. Let's look at the calorie count and glycemic index of Jaggery and sugar.

Nutrient Value of Jaggery -

Here are the number of calories in 100 grams of sugar and Jaggery.Sugar - 385 CaloriesJaggery - 375 caloriesThe glycemic index of Jaggery is 65The glycemic index of sugar sweeteners is 84.1Also, Read Is Peanut Butter Good for Diabetes?

Why should people with diabetes consume Jaggery?

People with diabetes should consume Jaggery for the following reasons.

Rich Sources of Nutrients -

Nutrients: Unrefined sugars are prepared from concentrated sugarcane juice. The character trait of jagger is that molasses (the thick mixture of sugarcane from which Jaggery is prepared) are absent in regular refined sugars. As a result, Jaggery has many nutrients, mainly iron. And other nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. In addition, all the nutrients are removed from many sweeteners available in the market. Hence Jaggery provides many nutrients for the body.

Rich sources of fiber -

Jaggery provides fiber: Jaggery is an unrefined sugar that is one of the best forms of available sucrose. It is not processed, and hence it takes time to digest slowly. In addition, the fiber content reduces a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Jaggery prevents weight gain -

It prevents weight gain: Jagger helps in making the metabolism work faster. It helps turn fat into energy and helps in weight loss. Another sweetener and regular sugar can spike blood glucose, resulting in weight gain and more frequent cravings.

Sources of Iron -

Iron: Jaggery is the best source of plant-based supplements like iron, which is required to improve muscular and energy boosting. An iron deficiency in a person can be if he/she drinks a lot of tea or coffee, and it will be best to take these drinks with Jaggery.

Boost Immunity -

Immune boosting:Jaggery contains many antioxidants and can help eliminate cancer and dementia. Antioxidants also help reduce the signs of aging and can help fight infections. Sugar and another sweetener only provide empty carbs to the body.

Fights Infections -

Fights infections: Jaggery helps in cleansing the body and can help in reducing the risk of many diseases. Antioxidants present in Jaggery are known to reduce empty calories that have zero nutritional value.Also, Read Is Papaya good for diabetes?

Which Type of Jaggery is considered safe for diabetics?

Organic Jaggery is considered beneficial to diabetic patients. Organic Jaggery is one of the greatest sugar substitutes for diabetics. Even though it has a high glycemic index, this unprocessed Jaggery acts as a prebiotic and helps your food digest correctly. Organic Jaggery is a fantastic source of iron and has no added sugar, which helps you control your blood sugar levels. Organic Jaggery is an amazing alternative for satisfying sugar cravings; however, owing to its high glycemic index, you should consume it in small quantities. Also Read: Diabetes-Friendly Protein Shakes: A Guide to Better Health

Different ways of including Jaggery in your day-to-day life?

There are different ways of consuming Jaggery-

You can take Jaggery with water in the morning as it helps normalize body temperature and aids metabolism.
Jaggery with turmeric acts wonderfully for diabetics because this concoction has the benefits of both substances.
You can take Jaggery with peanuts as a source of snacks and, in combination, like peanut bars.
You can take Jaggery with roasted grams as a healthy snack.
Ghee with Jaggery is a classic combination that removes toxins from the body.

Also Read: 14 Lifestyle Changes for Managing Diabetes

Other health benefits of Jaggery

Aids digestion
Flushes out toxins from the liver
Purifies the blood
Fights lung and respiratory infections
Relieves constipation
Produces heat and increases energy levels
Eases Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Possesses antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties

Additional note:- Though Jaggery should not be taken in excess by diabetics as it will increase blood sugar levels, a limited amount of Jaggery will not harm diabetics. So the conclusion is Jaggery is good for diabetics.Also, Read the Difference Between Diabetes Type I & II.

FAQs -

Book online appointment: Best Diabetologist in India

Ending note -

Jaggery has several benefits for a diabetic, like getting good fiber, vitamins and minerals, and much more. Apart from that, the glycemic index of sugar is less than other sweeteners available in the market. It helps keep you fuller for a more extended period and can also reduce other deficiencies in the body. Though the effects of getting Jagger are a lot, they should always be taken in sufficient quantities because excessive consumption can still result in higher blood sugar levels. Diabetics can eat Jaggery but should keep the amount in mind while consuming it.Also Read: How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide

Is Jaggery Good for Diabetics?