Jaggery, an unrefined sweetener, has started to find strong support among health-conscious consumers. Unlike processed sugar, it retains vital minerals and vitamins essential for long-term wellness. Research
published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences and the Journal of Food Science and Technology refers to jaggery more as a “functional food” than a mere sweetener, as its nutrient profile and physiological benefits go beyond those of refined sugar.
Refined sugar undergoes chemical treatment, bleaching, and crystallisation, leaving it devoid of nutrients and composed purely of sucrose. In contrast, jaggery is produced by simply boiling sugarcane or palm sap, allowing the natural molasses to retain essential minerals.
Key Nutritional Components of Jaggery:
- Iron: Supports blood formation and prevents anaemia.
- Calcium and phosphorus: strengthen bones and teeth.
- Magnesium: Promotes muscle relaxation and nerve function.
- Potassium: Maintains fluid balance and reduces bloating.
Ayurvedic texts describe jaggery as balancing the body’s internal energies, or doshas, cleansing the blood, aiding digestion, and boosting immunity, all now supported by modern nutritional research.
The Harmful Effects of Excess Sugar
The adverse effects of excessive sugar intake have long been established in medical research.
- Rapid glucose spikes lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which damage skin elasticity and accelerate ageing.
- Reduced white blood cell activity, impairing immunity.
- Fat accumulation in the liver due to excess fructose intake, linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
In contrast, jaggery has a lower glycaemic index (GI), providing a slow release of energy and preventing sudden glucose spikes followed by fatigue.
Why is jaggery considered a functional food
A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that jaggery can replace sugar in baked products without compromising microbial safety or taste. The study also observed that jaggery retains folic acid and B-complex vitamins, which support blood health and neurological function.
- Antioxidants such as syringaresinol and coniferyl alcohol combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Bioactive compounds aid metabolism and detoxification.
- Natural molasses keep it rich in micronutrients absent in refined sugar.
- When combined with herbs such as turmeric, tulsi, or black pepper, jaggery enhances detoxification and immunity — a synergy long emphasised in Ayurvedic practice.
How jaggery benefits key body systems
- Respiratory health: Helps clear pollutants and soothes throat irritation.
- Digestive aid: Stimulates bile and digestive enzymes, reducing acidity and constipation.
- Energy balance: Complex carbohydrates provide a slow and sustained energy source.
- Muscle relaxation: Magnesium alleviates fatigue and supports nerve health.
- Bone strength: Calcium and phosphorus build bones and maintain dental health.
Jaggery: A sustainable sweetener choice
Replacing sugar with jaggery benefits both health and the environment. Unlike sugar production, jaggery processing does not involve chemical agents such as sulphur dioxide, making it a cleaner and eco-friendly alternative.
According to agricultural data cited in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, India’s per capita jaggery consumption dropped from over 15 kilograms in the 1960s to just four kilograms by 2018–19. However, its revival today reflects a return to traditional and wholesome dietary habits.
