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The arrival of the winter season also brings with it the joy of eating different superfoods! One of them is gur or jaggery, which goes well with makki ki roti and sarson da saag, other piping hot delicacies and also standalone! But what exactly is jaggery and why is it preferred during this time of the year?
Parul Malhotra Bahl, nutritionist and certified diabetes educator, and founder at Diet Expression shares it all with HealthShots.
“Jaggery is an unrefined form of sugarcane or palm juice. It has been used in our kitchens for ages. If you remember, our grandmothers used it to make laddoos, chikkis, and chutneys, and even added it in hot beverages, in place of refined sugar,” says Bahl.
Why is jaggery preferred over refined sugar?
Bahl explains that this desi natural sweetener is definitely healthier as compared to refined sugar. “It is lower in calories, and a rich source of various minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. It is also a super rich source of iron, with a whopping 11 mg for every 100 gms. Furthermore, it serves 61% of the daily recommended intake. It helps to elevate hemoglobin levels, and is a perfect remedy to treat anemia, fatigue and irregular periods naturally.”
That’s not all — because of its anti-allergic properties, it helps in treating cough and cold. But one must not consume gur in large quantities, because it can lead to unwanted acidic issues.
“Since it is packed with a good amount of magnesium, it helps in smooth digestion and averts acidity. Therefore, it MUST be a part of your daily diet in the winter season,” adds Bahl.
What is the best way to consume jaggery?
Bahl recommends these combinations, so make a note of it. In fact, they can help to tackle various health issues:
1. Jaggery and saunf: A small piece of gur with saunf post-meals is perfect for great digestion.
2. Jaggery and peanuts: Combine gur with peanuts in the form of chikki is beneficial for menstrual cramps.
3. Jaggery and besan: Jaggery with besan and nuts in the form of laddoo is a brilliant way to increase energy and hemoglobin levels.
4. Jaggery with turmeric: Gur, haldi and ghee is a good combination to boost immunity during the winter season.
5. Jaggery and sesame seeds: Gur combined with sesame seeds, ghee and nuts works well to combat cold and cough during the winter season.
Are you convinced about why you need to start eating this superfood right away?
