Health benefits of jaggery – 7 reasons to include it in your diet now!

Gud, Bellam, Vellam, Sharkara, Bella or Gul – varied names, but the same ingredient that is packed with the most amazing health benefits. Did you know about the amazing health benefits of jaggery?

In one of my recent visits to Punjab, I was introduced to jaggery again. I had seen them in the local shops where I stay, but I had not encountered jaggery so up close! Right from seeing how jaggery was actually made to seeing countless shops selling fresh jaggery in the roadside…it was an experience.  You know, the only time I ever indulged in eating it was once a year when it was exchanged in festivities. Despite living with the ingredient, I was never aware of the health benefits of jaggery.

More recently my doctor recommended me to switch to jaggery to boost my immunity levels and keep the sugar cravings at bay. But wasn’t jaggery sweet? So what was the connection? A quick check introduced me jaggery in a completely new light and it is now a part of my daily diet. I have a portion of fresh jaggery mixed with an assortment of spices that ranges from fennel seeds, a whole load of dry fruits and dried coconut that makes a bite sized snack.

Jaggery – 7 health benefits of jaggery and including it in your daily diet.

Sugar is known to add only empty calories to our body. Gud is packed with loads of health benefits that range from building an immunity to cleansing your body and aiding digestion.

If you are looking at some health benefits that will help you make that switch, here are 7 reasons why jaggery should be in your diet.

Helps to strengthen the bones

Drink a glass of milk with grated jaggery to strengthen your bones! Did you know that this can prevent joint and bone problems such as arthritis. Don’t like milk? Brew some gud ki chai (recipe at the end of the post) for a sip of good health.

Helps to lose weight

Isn’t that what most of us want? Lose weight! Since jaggery is a rich source of potassium, it helps to improve the metabolism in the body. Potassium is a mineral that helps to balance the electrolytes in the body as well as the building up of muscles. Since jaggery has high levels of potassium it helps to reduce the water retention.

Purifies blood and prevents disorders

Jaggery is known to purify blood and also boost the total count of haemoglobin in the blood. Since it is a rich source of iron as well as fotate it can prevent anaemia because it helps to maintain a normal level of red blood cells. Jaggery also helps to flush out the toxins from the liver that keeps the illnesses at bay. Since it purifies blood, eat a bit of it during your periods as well to control the cramps.

Builds up the energy levels

Constantly tired and low energy levels? Ditch that caffeine and opt for a bit of jaggery instead. Gud, unlike sugar is a complex carbohydrate that gets absorbed in the bloodstream gradually and gives you energy for a longer time.

Want to read more about the health benefits of jaggery? Head over to Fit.The Quint. where this post was first published.