is sugar and jaggery same - #23362
I am kinda confused about this whole sugar and jaggery thing! My grandma always uses jaggery in her cooking instead of sugar and says it’s way healthier, but like, is sugar and jaggery same? I mean, they both taste sweet, right? I started using jaggery in my tea and I do like the taste, but I don't really understand if they're the same or not. I have a friend who says jaggery is a natural sweetener and sugar is processed but I don't know if that's true and how much it matters? I've also seen online that jaggery has some minerals and stuff that sugar doesn’t, but if it’s still a sweetener at the end of the day, does it really make a difference? Like, if I’m making a dessert, should I use one over the other? My doctor mentioned something about reducing sugar intake, but I wonder if jaggery counts the same? I'm just really trying to eat healthier here! Can anyone shed some light on this? Is sugar and jaggery same or what? Would love to hear some expert opinions on this!
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Doctors' responses
Sugar and jaggery may both be sweeteners, but they’re definitely not the same thing. They differ in terms of how they’re processed and their nutritional content. Sugar, particularly the white, granulated type, is heavily refined. This means it’s processed to remove most of the natural molasses content, which also strips away nutrients. Jaggery, on the other hand, is a more traditional sweetener made by evaporating raw sugarcane juice or palm sap without spinning it in a centrifuge to remove molasses. This less-refined process helps it retain some micronutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are missing from regular white sugar. But let’s be real: even if jaggery is slightly healthier in terms of mineral content, it’s still a sugar, and consuming any sweetener in excess isn’t ideal. If you’re aiming to reduce your overall sugar intake, using jaggery mindfully could be a part of that plan, but it can’t replace eating a balanced, low-sugar diet. While jaggery might not spike your insulin levels as quickly as sugar due to its slightly lower glycemic index, it’s still going to impact your blood sugar levels, especially if consumed in large amounts. If your doctor is suggesting reducing sugar for health reasons like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or weight management, jaggery would count similarly towards overall sugar intake. For desserts, which sweetener you choose could indeed alter the flavor slightly due to jaggery’s distinctive taste, but the most critical part in maintaining a healthier diet is really about moderation more than which type of sweetener you use. If you’re trying to make healthier choices, focus on overall dietary habits and consider consulting with a nutritionist for personalized advice that’s aligned with your health goals.
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