The Healthy Swap: Try these delicious Jaggery recipes
In this world of candies and cupcakes, life can be made sweet with Jaggery too! Yes, folks, an Indian traditional food platter is considered to be completed only with the magical Gud (Jaggery). About 70% of the world’s Jaggery production takes place in India. Jaggery is mostly made with sugarcane, however it is also made from date palm and coconut. This superfood has its own benefits over refined sugar and chemically synthesized sweetener options and is considered a healthier alternative.
Why is Jaggery beneficial?
- Jaggery is a more complex form of carbohydrate than refined sugar and it releases energy gradually.
- Jaggery contains more nutrients than refined sugar and it varies as per the source from which jaggery is extracted like palm, sugarcane or coconut. As compared to refined white sugar, jaggery is more nutritious because of its molasses content. Molasses is a nutritious by-product in the sugar-making process, which is usually removed while making refined sugar.
- Jaggery is also a source of vitamin B and minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.
- Every 100 grams of Jaggery contains around 11 mg of Iron and so it prevents anemic conditions.
The swap from refined sugar to Jaggery is a “must-try” option. Let us go through some recipes that can be made from Jaggery-
- Til Gud Laddoo (Sesame – Jaggery Laddoo) – An easy-to-prepare tasty sweet can be made as an evening snack. Besides being nutritious, these laddoos have cultural value as well. Every Indian would relate Til Gud Laddoo with the Makar Sankranti fest. Til Gud Laddoos are delicious, healthy, and full of energy.
Ingredients –
- Jaggery
- Roasted sesame
- Cardamom powder
- Grated Coconut
Sesame is a rich source of calcium, iron and magnesium and is good for the bones as well as for the heart by lowering the blood pressure. Additionally, vitamin E and other antioxidants maintain overall health.
- Peanut Chikki –
Ingredients –
- Jaggery
- Roasted Peanuts
- Cardamom powder
- Grated Coconut
It is an all-time favorite traditional sweet candy bar. The combination of vital vitamins and proteins of peanuts and iron of jaggery gives a health boost. This traditional dessert is famous for its unique taste, crispiness, and aroma. The groundnut chikki lowers bad cholesterol in the blood, thereby preventing coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring a healthy blood lipid profile. Jaggery present in chikki is rich in antioxidants that are proven to help in diluting blood clots and preventing nervous diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s (As per the guidelines given on the website: www.onlymyhealth.com ).
- Coconut Jaggery Barfi –
Ingredients –
- Jaggery
- Cardamom powder
- Grated Coconut
- Milk
Dried Coconut is loaded with proteins and fiber that helps in increasing energy levels, reduces the risk of heart disease, and manages blood sugar. It also aids digestion and activates the digestive enzymes in our body. Coconut is also rich in minerals like selenium, magnesium and iron. It can be a healthier alternative to your unhealthy snacks.
To do the healthy swap, replace your regular sugar and incorporate jaggery in your diet with these delightful snacks.
