Khejur Gur, also known as Date Palm Jaggery, is a type of natural sweetener that comes from the sap of date palm trees. Date Marmalade is a popular form of this product in South Asia, particularly Bangladesh and India; recently, people have been using date marmalade during the winter months for many years. Unrefined sugars are less processed than white sugars and provide several important nutrients that our body needs to function properly.
Date Palm Jaggery And Health Benefits
Date Palm Jaggery’s biggest health advantage over white sugar is that it has a strong nutritional profile. In addition to protecting against anaemia, research suggests that it provides small quantities of iron that may be beneficial in reducing the chances of developing anaemia, especially for women. The natural sugars found in date palm jaggery release energy slowly, eliminating the sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Many people have also turned to date palm jaggery as a method to help with digestion, as it can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and relieve constipation.
The Differences Between Date Palm Jaggery and Refined Sugar
Refined sugar gives zero nutrition and adds to the growing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease issues we see today. However, when you choose date palm jaggery, you are consuming nutrients along with your sweetener. The anecdotal evidence from households that have switched from refined sugar to date palm jaggery shows a marked improvement in digestion and a decrease in cravings for refined sugar. Even though you should continue to practice moderation with jaggery, for those looking for a more natural way of eating, it would be a healthier option than refined sugar.
Date Palm Jaggery vs Refined Sugar
| Feature | Date Palm Jaggery | Refined Sugar |
| Processing | Minimal | Highly processed |
| Nutrients | Rich in minerals | Almost none |
| Blood Sugar Impact | Lower spikes | Rapid spikes |
| Health Benefits | Digestive, iron-rich | No health benefits |
Day palm jaggery is an option for a variety of foods and beverages, including teas, confections/desserts, traditional sweet treats, sauces and marinades. Nutritionists and doctors recommend limiting intake to small amounts of jaggery for diabetics and other individuals needing to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Final Thoughts
Overall, date palm jaggery has many health benefits that support making healthier choices over refined sugars. In addition to providing essential minerals and antioxidants, the historical use of date palm jaggery provides great insight into how to use this natural sweetener to promote better nutritional habits when used in moderation.
FAQs
1. Is it safe for diabetics to consume date palm jaggery?
Yes, but it’s still safer than regularly consuming white sugar or brown sugar. You should always consult your physician before adding new foods to your diet.
2. Does date palm jaggery promote good digestive health?
Yes. This product also supports the elimination of waste and, therefore, is considered a natural remedy for constipation.
3. Is date palm jaggery helpful for treating anaemia?
Yes, because of its high content of iron, date palm jaggery helps increase levels of haemoglobin in your body.
4. Would it be possible to use date palm jaggery instead of sugar (completely)?
Yes, date palm jaggery can be used as a healthy alternative to all sugars if consumed in moderation.
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