how much jaggery to eat everyday - #22157
I am really curious about how much jaggery to eat everyday because I've been trying to switch out sugar for more natural options after reading about the benefits. My mom always swore by it, and I feel like I should give it a proper go. The thing is, I've read various things online and some folks say a teaspoon is enough while others are talking about a whole tablespoon! Honestly, I just don’t know what’s right. I recently started feeling a bit sluggish mid-afternoon, and I wonder if it’s my sweetener choices or just me needing more energy. I tried mixing jaggery into my tea instead of sugar and wow, I kinda liked it! But how much jaggery to eat every day for it to actually do something beneficial? Is it okay to have it in my morning oatmeal too? My friend mentioned that too much jaggery can lead to weight gain or other issues, and I’m worried. I’ve also heard it can help with digestion, which I could use since my stomach has been weird lately. Just looking for some solid advice on how much jaggery to eat everyday without going overboard. Would love to hear what you all think!
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Doctors' responses
It’s great that you’re interested in incorporating more natural sweeteners like jaggery into your diet. While jaggery does have some nutrients that refined sugar lacks, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, it’s still important to consume it in moderation. For most people, the general recommendation would be to limit added sugars to about 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men, which is about 6–9 teaspoons, respectively. Jaggery, being an added sugar, should be included within that daily limit. A teaspoon of jaggery might contain roughly 4 grams of sugar, so depending on your overall diet, a couple of teaspoons a day could be a reasonable starting point. However, this depends on your total sugar consumption elsewhere in your diet.
As for feeling sluggish in the afternoon, it’s possible that a balanced approach of regular meals with adequate complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats could help maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Including jaggery in your morning oatmeal can be a nice way to add sweetness, but aim to keep total sugar intake in check. It can contribute to energy initially, but large quantities can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar, possibly leading to that sluggish feeling later. The key is balance and moderation. Your friend is correct in noting that excessive jaggery can lead to weight gain, similar to other sugar sources, if it leads to consuming more calories than you burn.
Jaggery has been traditionally used in some cultures to aid digestion, potentially due to the presence of natural minerals, but scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. If digestive issues persist, it’s a good idea to examine overall dietary habits and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Regular physical activity, adequate hydration, and a fiber-rich diet are also crucial for overall energy levels and digestive health. Remember, individual responses can vary, so consider starting small and observing how your body reacts. If you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, consulting a dietitian might be beneficial to tailor advice to your personal needs.
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