Sugar, Move Over! Jaggery’s Taking the Sweet Spot for Better Health

Updated: November 09, 2025 23:11

Image Source: India Today

Nutritionist Divya Kaur has reignited the debate between jaggery and sugar, highlighting jaggery’s superior nutritional profile. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery contains essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a healthier alternative for daily consumption. Experts urge moderation but recommend jaggery for its added health benefits.

In a world increasingly conscious of dietary choices, the spotlight is back on natural sweeteners. Nutritionist Divya Kaur recently shared insights comparing jaggery and sugar, emphasizing that jaggery offers far more than just sweetness—it delivers vital nutrients that refined sugar lacks.

Jaggery, also known as “gur,” is an unrefined sugar product made from sugarcane or date palm sap. Unlike white sugar, which is stripped of all nutrients during processing, jaggery retains its molasses content, making it rich in minerals and vitamins. Kaur’s analysis, shared via social media and cited by NDTV, breaks down the nutritional advantages of jaggery and encourages consumers to make informed choices.

Key Highlights:

Nutrient-Rich Composition:
Jaggery contains iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and vitamins, offering a nutritional edge over sugar, which is purely carbohydrate with no micronutrients.

Caloric Comparison:
Both sweeteners are similar in calories—sugar has 387 kcal per 100g, while jaggery has 382 kcal. However, jaggery’s added nutrients make those calories more worthwhile.

Health Benefits:
Regular consumption of jaggery (in moderation) may help combat anemia, support bone health, and aid digestion. It’s also known to help cleanse the liver and boost immunity.

Lifestyle Relevance:
With rising pollution, sedentary habits, and poor water quality, Kaur argues that choosing nutrient-dense foods like jaggery is a small but impactful step toward better health.

Expert Caution:
While jaggery is healthier, it still contains sugar and should be consumed in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to similar health risks as refined sugar.

Major Takeaway:
Jaggery isn’t just a traditional sweetener—it’s a functional food. Swapping sugar for jaggery in your tea, desserts, or snacks can offer nutritional benefits without compromising taste. But like all sweeteners, balance is key.

Final Thought:
As nutrition awareness grows, jaggery stands out as a smart, culturally rooted alternative to refined sugar. It’s not just about sweetness—it’s about making every bite count.

Sources:
NDTV, Times Now, Hindustan Times.