Jaggery is a traditional accompaniment to Indian meals and is also used for preparation of various sweet dishes. It also regulates liver function and keeps the body healthy and strong from within.
Why Jaggery ?
Jaggery is a "natural" sweetener made by concentration of sugarcane juice WITHOUT the use of any chemicals / synthetic additives or preservatives.
It contains an enormous wealth of minerals / proteins / vitamins. More importantly, Jaggery has great nutritive and medicinal value. It has the reputation of being a medicinal sugar and is prescribed for use in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Ancient Medical scriptures dating back to 2500 years, states how Jaggery purifies the blood, prevents rheumatic afflictions and disorders of bile and possesses nutritive properties of high order.(Sushruta Sanhita, Chapter 45, sloka 145).
The preventive action of Jaggery on smoke-induced lung lesions, indicates the potential of Jaggery as protective agent for workers in dusty and smoky environments.
Health facts:
Jaggery containsProteins,MineralsandVitamins, which are essential constituents for a human body. It is also a potent source of Iron and has a higherIron and Coppercontents than white sugar.
It is also a superior product among all natural sweeteners with regards to the Vitamin contents. It is an energy food that is said to "purify" blood, regulate the liver function and keep the body healthy.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories
19 Cal/tbsp
Vitamin B Complex
1g/kg
Folic acid
1mg/kg
Iron
1mg/g
Calcium
5mg/100g
Directions of use:
It can be either grated or cut in small pieces. Add according to flavor and sweetness requirement in your food. The former is used to spread on breads and confections, while the solid version serves to make candies, and when crushed, to sprinkle on cereal and so on. Natural Jaggery has a sweet, winy fragrance and flavor that lends distinction to whatever food it embellishes.
