how much jaggery per day - #22876
I am really confused about how much jaggery per day is good for me. I started using jaggery instead of sugar because I read it’s healthier and has lots of benefits, but now I feel like I might be overdoing it. My friend mentioned something about moderation, but I don’t know what that really means. I thought maybe a few pieces here and there wouldn’t hurt, but last week I had like several teaspoons in my tea, and then I made some sweets too, and honestly, it felt like a lot! I read somewhere that jaggery can help with digestion and energy levels, but I also heard that it can be high in calories. Now I’m just worried. Is there any solid guidance on how much jaggery per day is actually safe? Like, can having too much affect my blood sugar or anything? I mean, I really don't want to swing from healthy to unhealthy just because I thought I was making a better choice. I just need to know if I should cut back, and if so, what’s the ideal amount of jaggery per day? Any insights would be super helpful! Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
It’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed trying to navigate dietary choices like this. Jaggery is indeed often touted as a healthier alternative to refined sugar because it contains some minerals and antioxidants. However, it still is a form of sugar and therefore high in calories and carbohydrates, which can impact blood sugar levels, especially if consumed in excess. Generally speaking, moderation is key when it comes to jaggery or any form of sugar. For most healthy adults, the World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories, but aiming for below 5% can offer more health benefits. This translates to about 25 grams or roughly six teaspoons of sugar per day for an average adult diet of 2000 calories.
If you’re incorporating jaggery, it’s important to include this in your overall sugar intake for the day, including any sugar from other sources like sweets, snacks or beverages. Going overboard with jaggery can indeed lead to spikes in blood sugar, and over time, contribute to conditions like insulin resistance or other metabolic issues. In addition to thinking about quantity, it’s valuable to pay attention to how its inclusion makes you feel whether it’s affecting your energy levels or digestion. If you notice any side effects like fatigue or digestive issues, it could be worth dialing down the intake.
Since you’ve been incorporating jaggery in various parts of your diet, you might want to assess how much you’re actually consuming each day by keeping a food log for a week. Once you tally your intake, it can be easier to adjust and find a balance that feels right while staying within those health guidelines. Remember to consider the totality of dietary intake and lifestyle factors – if you have any concerns about blood sugar, it might even be worthwhile to consult with a dietitian or healthcare professional to get personalized advice that fits your lifestyle and potential risks.
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