At least, the first thing we do when it comes to weight management is to immediately think about eliminating all types of sugar. Although refined sugar is definitely one of the causes of weight gain and numerous health complications, there is a healthier choice in the market, namely jaggery (also referred to as gur). It is an ancient sweetener, which is prepared using the juice of sugarcane or palm sap and has been used in Indian families since time immemorial. In addition to being a natural sweetener, jaggery is loaded with nutrients and has a number of unexpected advantages to the person who wants to keep his or her weight in check but the common question is, does jaggery increase weight or help in weight reduction? Let’s understand in this article.
In this case, we will discuss five ways in which jaggery can aid in weight manangement.
1. Increases Metabolism by Nature
Potassium, magnesium, and iron are some of the essential minerals in Jaggery that are significant in ensuring that your body’s metabolism is lively. An active metabolism will ensure that your body burns calories more effectively, and the result is that you do not store fat. In contrast to refined sugar, which only contributes to empty calories, jaggery contains essential nutrients that help in supporting metabolic activities. A balanced metabolism results in easier regulation or even loss of body weight.
2. Reduces Water Retention
Jaggery also has one unexpected advantage, and it assists the body in sweeping out excess water. Jaggery is rich in potassium, and therefore, it is useful in balancing the electrolytes in your body. This helps to eliminate bloating and water retention, which makes one feel heavier than they actually are. The consumption of a small jaggery piece in your daily meal will contribute to a slimmer figure and help avoid excessive weight gain as a result of the water.
3. Promotes Confession and Purification
A slow digestive system will tend to cause weight gain and bloating. Jaggery is a natural digestive aid since it is known to stimulate the digestive enzymes and to clean the digestive tract. A little portion taken after meals can enhance the digestion process, decrease constipation levels as well, and encourage bowel movements.
Further, jaggery has been referred to as a natural detoxifier. It assists in cleansing the liver by washing the harmful toxins in the body. This is because of the detoxification process, which increases the absorption of nutrients, thus enabling your body to work at an optimal level and keep your weight healthier as time goes by.
4. Better alternative for sugar cravings
Sugar cravings are one of the greatest weight management problems. Jaggery does not lead to a sharp rise and fall of blood sugar levels like refined sugar. It is slow to digest and therefore it keeps you longer and prevents overeating.
Jaggery helps to satisfy your sweet craving more healthily, thus decreasing the temptation to binge on processed food snacks or dessert. Jaggery is a good snack that you can have after a meal that is guilt-free and can even help you with your weight-loss or maintenance efforts.
5. High in Micronutrients that help in weight balancing
Jaggery is not just a sweetener, as it has traces of essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. These are nutrients that are indirect but important in weight management. For example:
Iron prevents fatigue, which makes you active and regular with exercising.
Magnesium helps in maintaining muscle health and in regulating the level of blood sugar.
Zinc and selenium are antioxidants that decrease inflammation and contribute to the overall metabolic well-being.
Jaggery, unlike refined sugar, is actually healthy, in that it replenishes your body with nutrients and is therefore a better solution for weight-conscious people.
How to use Jaggery to lose weight
The moderation is most important in using jaggery in your diet. Here are a few simple tips:
Substitute refined sugar in your tea, coffee, or milk with jaggery.
Add jaggery in natural form as a sweetener in homemade desserts or power bars.
Eat a small slice at the end of the meals to digest and suppress cravings towards sweets.
Final Thoughts
Jaggery is not a magic bullet that can help you lose weight, but it can definitely aid your weight loss healthily and sustainably. Jaggery is not just another sweet dish since it increases metabolism, decreases water retention, enhances digestion, manages cravings, and supplies the body with necessary nutrients.
In case, you want to manage your weight, you can replace refined sugar with jaggery. It is important to remember- moderation. The excessive amount of jaggery remains an additional source of calories, which is why it is essential to manage it properly with a balanced nutrition plan and sports.
Source: Nature Care Ayurveda
