Jaggery is obtained from unrefined sugar and is collected by boiling juice of concentrated and raw sugar cane till it solidifies. However, Jaggery is also made from date palm sap and coconut sap. Jaggery made from sugar cane is used most widely.
However, it is recommended to consume Jaggery in balance, as it is slightly higher in calories, containing up to 4 kcal/gram. People who have diabetes or follow a weight loss diet should monitor their jaggery consumption, leading to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations. Jaggery is a decent source of minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
As we know that people with kidney problems will be imposed with restrictions from the intake of certain minerals like potassium And sodium, Jaggery is not prescribed or suggested to them.
But, it is not like they must altogether avoid jaggery”:
Those diagnosed with renal or kidney problems and without diabetes can have 50 to 70 grams of Jaggery a day.
Jaggery is a decent source of iron and sugar (energy).
People with kidney problems (especially chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome) are reported to have complaints of iron deficiency anemia and related reduction in the partial pressure of oxygen and resulting in breathing difficulty. The iron content of Jaggery can help manage these to some extend.
In short, rather than consuming table sugar, Jaggery to suggested quantity will be the better choice for “non-Diabetics” undergoing kidney disorders.
We all know that we get adulterated Jaggery with added stones and such particles these days in the market. Hence, the affected population or their family should give special attention to getting organic powder jaggery or liquid Jaggery. This may help avoid associated harmful effects by adulterants on kidney health.
An experiment was planned to estimate the Nephroprotective effects of Jaggery against APAP(acetaminophen)-induced kidney damage in rats. The action of Jaggery at different oral doses (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg) was estimated against oxidative damage induced by APAP administration. Intake of Jaggery significantly moved the studied parameters towards normal and rearranged the histopathologic( tissue and cell) alterations. Thus, Jaggery can reduce renal impairment and may serve as an alternative remedy to treat renal etiologies.
One reason for the popularity of Jaggery is that it is believed to be more healthy and nutritious than your average refined sugar gaining. It is also claimed to have other benefits for your health.
More common health claims include the improved digestive system, liver detoxification, prevention of anemia, and enhanced immunity.
For separation of the facts from the fiction, here’s a critical look at these claims:
It’s prevalent to eat Jaggery after a meal in India.
It is claimed that it helps with better digestion and stimulation of bowel movements, making it the right choice for preventing constipation.
Jaggery is a good source, but it does not contain any fiber or water — these two are dietary factors known to assist with regular bowel movements.
But, no available studies can confirm this claim. Given Jaggery’s nutrition profile, it seems relatively unlikely that Jaggery could prevent constipation or help with digestion.
Some studies suggest that the human body more efficiently uses the iron obtained from non-centrifugal sugars than other plant sources. 11 mg of iron Is present per 100 grams of Jaggery or about 61% of the RDI.
This sounds great, but it’s improbable that you would eat 100 grams of Jaggery in one sitting.A tablespoon or teaspoon represents a more practical portion.
Twenty grams( A tablespoon) of Jaggery have 2.2 mg of iron contains or about 12% of the RDI. While in A teaspoon of Jaggery ( 7 grams) contains 0.77 mg or about 4% of the RDI.
Jaggery can provide a small amount of iron for people with low iron intake, especially replacing white sugar. But, added sugar is bad for your health. Therefore, it’s thoughtless to recommend that you add Jaggery to your diet because its iron contains its iron.
However, you will get much more significant amounts of iron from other foods.
However, your body can remove these toxins on its own. Still, many foods are claimed to help your liver get rid of toxins.
But no current evidence supports the claim that any meal or drink can make this process of “detox” extra comfortable or efficient.
In India, Jaggery is used to treat a variety of ailments by adding Jaggery to tonics.
It is believed that Jaggery is rich in minerals and antioxidants. It can boost our immunity and help people recover from acute illnesses like the flu and the common cold. Jaggery’s high in calories, which may help increase the energy levels for those trying to eat when sick.