‘Nature’s sugar’: 9 surprising health benefits of jaggery
Published on: Aug. 27, 2025, 7:30 p.m. | Source: Times of India
Let’s be honest: it’s no crime to have a sweet tooth, to want to savor a dessert once in a while. However, health-wise, that seems to put us at a backfoot. Especially, consuming sugar, sugary drinks, or even desserts laden with too much sugar is bad for you because it provides empty calories, leading to weight gain and contributing to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease through increased inflammation and insulin resistance. Furthermore, high sugar intake also negatively impacts dental health by promoting tooth decay, can accelerate skin aging, and may increase the risk of certain cancers and mental health issues like depression.However, wanting to have something doesn’t have to be confined to the periphery of consuming refined sugar. There’s a golden, soulful powerhouse on the culinary scene: jaggery.Unlike refined sugar, jaggery, an unrefined sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, retains its natural minerals, antioxidants, and wholesome charm, making it a surprisingly healthy choice when used in moderation. It keeps more of nature’s gifts intact, like minerals, antioxidants, and earthy flavor, thanks to minimal processing. But did you know that jaggery can offer more than just sweetness? From boosting energy and easing digestion to lifting your mood and even supporting heart health, the benefits are real, varied, and sometimes unexpected. Whether dripping into your tea, stirred into breakfast porridge, or blended into a homemade snack, jaggery adds rich flavor and a nutrient touch.
