Description -
Jaggery, also known as gul, gur, bellam, vellam, or guda, is unrefined brown sugar obtained from various plant sources. It is also called non-centrifugal sugar because it is not centrifuged to remove the molasses. It is made by boiling sugarcane juice or palm sap until solidified and then shaping it into blocks, cones, or discs.

Use:

• Sweetener: Jaggery is primarily used as a sweetener in various cuisines, desserts, and beverages. It is commonly used in traditional sweets, such as laddoos, halwas, and chikkis.
• Cooking: It is also used in savory dishes to balance flavors and add sweetness, especially in Indian and South Asian cuisine.
• Beverages: Brown sugar is dissolved in water to prepare sweet drinks such as sorbets and herbal infusions.
• Medicinal: In some traditional medicinal practices, brown sugar is used as a remedy for ailments such as coughs, colds, and digestive problems.

Health benefits:

• Rich in minerals: Jaggery contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium, which are vital for maintaining overall health.
• Energy Source: Being a concentrated source of carbohydrates, brown sugar provides instant energy and is often consumed by athletes and workers for a quick energy boost.
• Digestive Health: Helps digestion and prevents constipation due to its high fiber content.
• Blood purification: Some traditional medicine systems believe that brown sugar helps purify the blood and improve circulation.
• Respiratory health: Used in some cultures to relieve respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
• Immune Booster: The minerals and antioxidants in brown sugar can strengthen the immune system and help the body fight infections.

Nutritional value (per 100 g):

• Energy: 383 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 97.3 g
• Sugars: 65.3 g
• Protein: 0.4 g
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Calcium: 40 mg
• Iron: 11.6 mg
• Magnesium: 70 mg
• Potassium: 506 mg
• Phosphorus: 20 mg
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Zinc: 0.2 mg