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ISSN 2582-6611
Agriculture Observer
www.agricultureobserver.com
April 2021 Article No. :9
Health Benefits of Jaggery on Human Health
Geeta Mohan*, O. P. Sharma and Manjeet Kaur
Department of Agriculture, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, Rajasthan -303 901, India
Corresponding author*: drgeetamohan@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Jaggery is known by different name in the world such as Panela, Kokuto, and Muscovado.
The nutrient value of jaggery is increased while preparing with different methods from sugarcane
juice. The micronutrients which are present in Jaggery have many nutritional and medicinal
aspects. Jaggery has proved itself better when compared with white sugar. Jaggery is known to
produce heat and give instant energy to human body. Sugar and sweet consumption have been
popular throughout the world, increasing trend of per capita sugar consumption assumes
significance in view of the high tendency for individuals to develop insulin resistance and the
increasing chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Multiple
prevention strategies could be adopted to decrease the white sugar consumption from various
stakeholders (government, industry, and consumers) by different methods such as increasing
taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages and increasing promotion for the consumption of jaggery
and related products.
INTRODUCTION
Elders often end their meals with Jaggery. One might assume that its sweet, heavenly taste
is what makes it popular. However, this naturally sweetening food has enormous health benefits.
Made primarily from raw, concentrated sugarcane juice that is boiled until it solidifies; it is
essentially a type of unrefined sugar. Also known as Gur, it can be made from date palm (Nolen
Gur of West Bengal) or the sap of coconut too. Jaggery is a major part of one’s staple diet in most
parts of India. It is known as ‘bella’ in Kannada, ‘Vellam’ in Tamil and ‘Gul’ in Marathi.
Jaggery production in our country is mostly, confined to rural areas, which is traditional
sweetener in addition to sugar from sugarcane. Jaggery contains iron (11%), calcium (0.4%),
phosphorous (0.045%), glucose and fructose (10-15%), protein (0.25%) and fat (0.05%). The 250
billion sugar industry has about 450 sugar mills in India with an average installed capacity of 18
million tons. India is the largest consumer of sugar and second largest producer in the world. 90
per cent of total sugarcane and sugar production in the country is with Maharashtra and Uttar
Pradesh alone, accounting for 60 per cent of Indian's total sugar production. Jaggery is produced
all over the country, wherever sugarcane is produced. Similarly, it is consumed in all parts of the
country. Jaggery is seasonal in nature and production takes place only during November to April
in a year but its consumption takes place throughout the year.
Health Benefits of Jaggery
Jaggery is usually available throughout the year, but it is produced during the winter
months and are the ideal months to relish some freshly made jaggery; however jaggery can be
eaten any time of the year to experience its multitude benefits. Some health benefits of jaggery
are:
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Fig. 1. Jaggery from Sugarcane
1. Helps in Detoxifying the Liver
Human body piles on toxins that enter through the diet we consume. These toxins can
make us sick and therefore, it is important for human body to get rid of them. The liver helps in
removing these harmful toxins from human body. Jaggery also helps in cleansing our body
because it is a natural cleanser. By adding it in our diet not only aiding the liver to flush out toxins
from the body, but liver also gets rid of toxins too.
2. Helps in Relieving Constipation
Many people suffer from constipation, and this ailment can take a toll on one’s health. The
person suffering from this condition not only faces discomfort in clearing the bowels but also has
the problem of hardened stools. Jaggery is beneficial in dealing with digestive issues such as
constipation. Consuming jaggery on a regular basis helps in activating the digestive enzymes and
also helps in stimulating bowel movements. Add jaggery in daily diet to overcome the problem of
digestive ailments.
3. Helps in Purifying Blood
Healthy and clean blood means better health. Adding jaggery in daily diet in limited
amount helps in purifying the blood and thus improving overall health. Purified blood in the body
means healthier a person and thus better ability to fight infections and diseases.
4. Helps in Treating Flu Symptoms
A runny, stuffy nose, throat irritation or other such flu-symptoms can make a person very
uncomfortable and uneasy. Jaggery has therapeutic effects on relieving the symptoms of various
ailments such as the flu. Adding a piece of jaggery in warm water and drink this mixture
alternatively, can add to tea also. The warm and soothing effects of jaggery will help in feeling
better.
5. Helps in Cleansing the Body
If staying in an area that is heavily polluted, including jaggery in the diet may help to a
great deal. This is because jaggery is a natural body cleanser and it is efficient in cleansing
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various harmful particles that enter the body. It is beneficial in cleaning lungs, stomach,
respiratory tract, food pipe and intestines. Ayurveda also states the benefits of jaggery in
removing unwanted and harmful particles from the body, it is thus highly recommended for
people working or staying in polluted areas.
Fig. 2. Different Forms of Jaggery
Fig. 3. Pure Jaggery Powder
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6. Helps in Preventing Anaemia
Anemia is a disease that is characterized by low iron levels in the body. Adding this iron
and folate-rich food in daily diet may help in the prevention of anemia. Pregnant women often
battle with low iron and folate levels, which may decrease their red blood cells and also reduces
their energy levels. If a pregnant woman eats jaggery on a regular basis, it will give her an instant
boost of energy and also help in increasing the RBC in the blood.
Fig. 4. Jaggery Preparation
7. Helps in Maintaining Body Temperature
Consuming jaggery helps in increasing the body temperature and keeping the body
warmer during winter months. However, consuming jaggery mixed with cold water does the exact
opposite and helps in keeping stomach cool during summer months. This versatile sweet is very
beneficial in maintaining the body temperatures in winters as well as in summers.
8. Helps in Maintaining Good Intestinal Health
Consuming jaggery is also good for intestines. Jaggery contains good amount of
magnesium in it, which is excellent for keeping intestinal health on track. Approximately 15 mg
of magnesium is available after consuming 10 grams of jaggery on a regular basis, which can help
human body to meet its daily requirement of magnesium.
9. Helpful in Controlling Blood Pressure
Low or high blood pressure, both are not good for human health. It is essential to maintain
regular blood pressure to maintain good health. Sugarcane, from which jaggery is obtained, is
loaded with sodium and potassium. Both minerals are beneficial in regulating the blood pressure
in the body. Therefore, by eating jaggery on a daily basis, may ensure that blood pressure levels
are under control.
10. Helps in Relieving Joint Pains and Aches
Joints or bone pain can be a very painful situation and hamper day-to-day functioning.
However, it is believed that consuming jaggery on day to day basis proves to be effective in
dealing with joint pains and aches. Drinking a glass of milk with jaggery or simply eating a piece
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of jaggery on a regular basis may help in reducing the joint pain and also help in strengthening the
bones.
Fig. 5. Jaggery Helps in Joint Pain
11. Helps in Preventing Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma can make breathing very difficult. In
Ayurveda, jaggery has been used for time immemorial for curing and preventing respiratory
issues. It is believed that when jaggery is eaten, it soothes and nourishes the inflamed airways and
thus helps in providing relief and also prevents the condition from further deteriorating. For the
added benefits, sesame seeds can be mixed with jaggery to avoid the respiratory difficulties.
12. Helps with Weight Loss
A vast majority of Indian population is fighting with weight loss issues, and it is primarily
because of poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. However, on a weight loss plan,
adding jaggery in diet will be helpful in increasing the metabolism but it also prevents water
retention in the body. The presence of potassium in jaggery helps in balancing the electrolytes,
which in turn help in building the muscle mass. Shed off some unwanted kilos from body by
eating jaggery!
13. Helps in Boosting Energy Levels
Exhaustion and fatigue can make human body lethargic and drain of daily energy. Jaggery
can instantly help to feel energized as it is a natural sweetener but unlike sugar, it does not
increase the blood sugar levels and slowly gets absorbed in the bloodstream and keeps feeling
energized for a longer duration. Therefore jaggery does not only help to pep up the blood sugar
levels, but at the same time, it also helps in body fight fatigue also.
14. Helps in Relieving Menstrual Pain
Those painful days of the month can give nightmares to most women because menstrual
pain is something all women can relate. There are many over-the-counter medicines available that
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may help in relieving the symptoms of menstrual pain, but they may have adverse effects on
human body too. Jaggery is loaded with all the essential nutrients that may prove helpful in
reducing period pain and other associated side-effects. Eating jaggery helps in releasing feel-good
hormones or endorphins, which help to battle PMS. So, prep up for periods by including this
wonder food in daily diet.
15. Helps in Boosting Immunity
Low immunity or a compromised immune system may invite many unwanted medical
issues. Eating jaggery increases body’s immunity and thus helps it in fighting against various
infections or disease-causing elements. It is beneficial in reducing free radical damage and is
helpful in increasing the total hemoglobin, which also proves to be effective in maintaining a
good immune system.
So, with the piece of jiggery it is important to note that not only eating a healthy form of
sweet, but human body is also gaining a bundle of health benefits from it.
CONCLUSION
Jaggery, called as a healthiest sugar because of its number of health benefits. The sector is
expanding now-a-days with some advancement in its processing, storage and packaging
techniques. It is trying to be an alternative to refined sugar. Jaggery is very sensitive product,
getting affected by number of factors right from cultivation practices of sugarcane to processing
and storage. The granular form offers advantages over lumped jaggery because of its less moisture
content and free flowing nature. The value added products from jaggery increases the nutritional
quality, fetch better market price and inverses the export potential. The organic jaggery is gaining
a kind of popularity. The jaggery sector still needs some technological advancement in processing
of granular jaggery and its storage and value added products. An automatic jaggery making plant
with new uniform heating techniques are also need to be developed.
Jaggery producing units are profitable if they are maintaining quality. With the
development of these industries problems like unemployment and low-level of education should
be alleviated. On the macro level this industry could be able to export good quality if research and
development facilities are developed by the government as well as Big Investors.
REFERENCES
1. Chand K; Shahi NC; Lohani UC and Garg SK (2011). Effect of storage conditions on keeping
qualities of jaggery. Sugar Tech, 13(1):81-85.
2. Chauhan OP; Singh D; Tyagi SM and Balyan DK (2007). Studies on preservation of sugarcane
juice. International Journal of Food Properties, 5:1, 217-229.
3. Kumar K; Oscillation in Jaggery and khandsari industry, pro Ntl seminar on status, problems
and prospects of jaggery and khandshari industry in India, Lucknow, 1999,60.
4. Ramkrishna Rao S (February, 1993), ‘On making of good quality jaggery’, Proceedings of II
Workshop Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, pp-3.
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