Don’t just reserve jaggery for your desserts because it’s one of the most nutritious ingredients in your pantry! It can be made a part of your daily meals as well and consumed in various ways, Jaggery tea, for instance, is a traditional beverage with roots deeply embedded in various cultures, which is gaining recognition for its unique flavour and health benefits.
It’s brewed with the concentrated juice of sugarcane or date palm and is quite easy to make. Since jaggery is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional medicine, it has certain proven benefits, like remedying common colds and coughs and boosting metabolism.
Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease throat irritation. When combined with tea, jaggery makes for a sweet infusion so you can skip the sugar. Here are some benefits of drinking jaggery tea.
It’s Rich in Minerals and Vitamins
Jaggery is considered to be one of the healthiest natural sweeteners. It is a rich source of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins like B-complex vitamins. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining overall health, supporting energy production, and contributing to the proper functioning of various bodily systems.
Moreover, jaggery possesses natural antioxidant properties due to the presence of compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Offers Detoxification
Consuming jaggery is believed to aid in blood purification and detoxification by helping eliminate toxins from the body. The minerals in jaggery, such as iron, contribute to maintaining healthy blood circulation. It’s important to remember that the liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxifying the body by processing and eliminating toxins. Jaggery contains compounds that may support liver health and aid in its detoxification processes.
It is also believed to have blood-purifying properties. It may assist in eliminating toxins from the blood, contributing to a cleaner and healthier circulatory system. Moreover, jaggery possesses natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help combat oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a role in neutralizing free radicals and supporting the body's defence against harmful substances.
It Aids Digestion
Jaggery has digestive properties that can help alleviate digestive issues such as constipation and indigestion. It stimulates the digestive enzymes, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing constipation.
It Boosts Energy Levels
The natural sugars in jaggery provide a quick energy boost, making jaggery tea an excellent choice for a midday pick-me-up. The combination of natural sugars and caffeine in tea can enhance alertness and mental focus. You can also use it with your coffee, cereal or oatmeal and replace your regular sugar with this to make your breakfast healthier.
It Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Jaggery's complex sugars, including sucrose and glucose, contribute to a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. This may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a suitable sweetener for those with diabetes when consumed in moderation.
It also lowers blood pressure. Potassium, present in jaggery, is known to help regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body. The consumption of jaggery tea, in moderation, may contribute to maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
It Reduces Anaemia Risk
Jaggery is a notable source of iron, a crucial mineral for preventing and treating iron-deficiency anaemia. Consuming jaggery tea may contribute to increasing iron levels in the body, especially for individuals with low iron stores.
Reduces Bad Cholesterol
Some studies suggest that jaggery may help lower levels of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. Including jaggery tea as part of a heart-healthy diet may support cardiovascular well-being.