Jaggery (or Gud in Hindi) is an easily available sweetener that is extensively used in Indian cuisine. A form of unrefined sugar, it is prepared by heating and boiling fresh sugarcane juice and reducing it to obtain a concentration of hard or a semi-solid jaggery. Ayurveda uses it as a sweetener in many of its decoctions and kashayas, as it has various health benefits over white, refined sugar.
As per Ayurveda, there are two types of jaggery, with each having a definite characteristic and hence should be used accordingly.
Based on preparation
a) Unrefined
b) Refined
b) Refined
Based on availability
a) Old (more than a year)
b) Fresh/new
b) Fresh/new
Characteristics & Features
Unrefined: It is alkaline in nature, promotes lubrication, cleanses the bladder, increases the urine, cleanses and purifies the blood, increases body fat, causes intestinal worms, but increases strength, and is an aphrodisiac.
Refined: It is purely sweet and cool in nature, and balances the dryness in tissues to bring about a cooling effect on the body. It is more effective than the unrefined version, in promoting tissue growth and strength.
Old: This is considered the best among all types. It is very sweet in taste, light for digestion, supports metabolism, cleanses the intestines (prevents constipation), cleanses the bladder (strengthens the urinary system), cleanses the stomach (promotes easy absorption), promotes taste, good for the heart (works as a cardiac tonic), balances the heat and dryness of the body, relieves tiredness and debility, good for those who are anaemic, and more.
Fresh/New: It’s heavy for digestion, increases the phlegm, causes laziness, increases volume of urine, and weakens the bodily systems (when used in excess).
Jaggery Vs Sugar
Jaggery is definitely much healthier than sugar, when made with natural processes (without chemicals). It can be used as a replacement for sugar in coffee, tea, and fruit juices. It changes the consistency and taste of the beverage for the better.
Remedial Use
Persons with poor digestion should use jaggery with ginger to improve their appetite.
Sherbet prepared using jaggery as per Ayurveda helps to restore energy and is even said to have an aphrodisiac effect.
Contraindications
Jaggery should not be consumed by individuals having respiratory issues, skin diseases, fever, cough, and obesity.
It is important to note that all the above effects of jaggery vary from person to person, depending on the time it is taken, how it is taken (in which form), and by whom it is taken (age and health conditions).
