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which is better sugar or jaggery
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #22963
26 days ago
53

which is better sugar or jaggery - #22963

Aditya

I am really confused about sugar and jaggery, and I just wanna figure out which is better sugar or jaggery. A few weeks ago, I started feeling really sluggish and my doctor said I should cut down on refined sugar, but I don't really know what to replace it with, right? I thought about jaggery since I heard it's more natural and has some nutritional benefits. But now I’m not sure if I’m just falling for some marketing hype! Like, I use sugar in my coffee every morning, and it just feels impossible to switch everything over. I tried jaggery in my tea once, and I kinda liked it, but I couldn’t tell if it was actually better for me or just a different flavor? Gosh, which is better sugar or jaggery for energy levels, or is there even a difference? I mean, I’ve heard people say jaggery is better for digestion or something, but I don’t want to just swap one unhealthy thing for another, you know? Like, what do you all think? Should I seriously consider reducing sugar completely or integrate more jaggery into my diet? I really need help making sense of this and what’s best for my health overall!

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Doctors' responses

When it comes to choosing between sugar and jaggery, both essentially deliver a similar amount of calories but differ in terms of their nutrient profiles and the effects they can have on your body. Sugar is highly processed and refined, stripping away nearly all nutrients, leaving just empty calories that can contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels. This is likely what your doctor meant when advising to cut down on refined sugar, as these fluctuations can lead to feelings of sluggishness and energy crashes. Jaggery, on the other hand, is less processed, retaining trace amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, potentially offering a minor nutritional advantage. That doesn’t mean it’s a superfood though; it’s still high in sucrose, so moderation is key to preventing similar spikes in blood sugar.

For your energy levels, neither sugar nor jaggery is a magical fix. They both can provide a quick energy boost but might lead to crashes if consumed in excess. Instead, focus on a balanced diet with complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Swapping sugar in your coffee for jaggery is one small step toward reducing refined sugars but be aware that it won’t significantly change how your body processes sugar overall. If digestion benefits are what you’re after, some people find jaggery helpful due to its mineral content which is believed to stimulate digestive enzymes, but scientific evidence is still limited. Ultimately, you’d benefit from gradually reducing your total sugar intake, whether from sugar or jaggery, while incorporating more whole foods for sustained energy. It’s important to personalize your approach, perhaps starting with reducing sugar intake from all sources, paying attention to how your body responds, and asking yourself whether you’re feeling more energetic or not. If you’re experiencing significant energy issues or struggles with dietary changes, consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian might offer tailored advice that fits your lifestyle.

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