can jaggery increase weight - #23235
I am really confused about this whole jaggery thing and whether it can actually increase weight. I mean, I love sweets, right? But I heard from a friend that jaggery is healthier than sugar so I started replacing sugar with it. I even made some delicious jaggery-based recipes! But now, I feel like my jeans are fitting a bit tighter. Is it possible that can jaggery increase weight? Like, I eat it in moderation but I can’t shake this feeling. I wake up, make my tea with jaggery, and honestly, it tastes great. Some days I even treat myself to jaggery sweets after dinner. Here's the kicker: I've looked online and there's a bunch of mixed info, some say it can help weight management while others swear that can jaggery increase weight is true because of the calories. I'm kinda at a loss. Should I cut back? I mean, I'm trying to eat healthy, but now I don't know if I'm messing up with this jaggery thing. Any thoughts from you guys would really help — there’s gotta be some clarity here!
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Doctors' responses
Yes, consuming jaggery can indeed contribute to weight gain, especially if consumed in excess, just like any other high-calorie sweetener. Although jaggery is touted as a healthier alternative to refined sugar due to its additional nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium, it is still primarily composed of sucrose and thus contains similar calorie levels to white sugar. Even when eating it in moderation, its caloric content can add up quickly, especially if you’re using it in multiple meals or for sweet treats throughout the day. If you’re noticing tighter jeans, it might be worthwhile to re-evaluate the overall caloric intake to understand whether the total amount of sweeteners in your diet, including food, drinks, and snacks, is higher than your energy expenditure. It’s also useful to consider hidden sources of calories that might be slowly accumulating. Adjusting portion sizes, cutting back on frequency, or considering natural sweeteners with lower calorie content can help maintain a better balance. While balance is essential, ensuring your overall diet is rich in nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports both healthy weight management and overall nutrition. If your primary aim is weight management, tracking your calorie intake and expenditure might provide more clarity, possibly working with a dietitian. The most effective weight management approach typically combines dietary adjustments with regular physical activity tailored to your current lifestyle and health condition.
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