For anyone trying to lose weight, sugar is a big no-no as it contributes to unexplained weight gain and is hardest to quit once used to it.
Most people who try to go on a diet to lose weight are advised to cut down on sugar and switch to healthier alternatives, like honey or jaggery or coconut sugar.
While honey and jaggery and widely supported by weight loss "experts", it would be a misconception to think that they are the best sugar replacements. For the uninformed, unmoderated intake of these two "healthy" ingredients could be damaging to your weight loss journey, so it's important to pick wisely.
Benefits of Jaggery
Jaggery has recently become a favourite among health-conscious who have started to substitute it for white sugar. For those who are not aware, jaggery is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, vitamins B1, B6, and C. Plus, it is loaded with good fibre amount, which removes toxins and helps clean your digestive system easy. Jaggery also contains several phenolic compounds in it that fight oxidative stress and work to boost immunity.
Since the taste is a bit more subdued than that of sugar, most people end up consuming more than what is required. However, it is important to know that jaggery contains more or less the same number of calories as sugar does and also contains sucrose, which raises blood sugar levels and may be harmful to diabetic patients.
Swapping sugar with jaggery is potentially a good practice- as long as you don't overdo it and remember the nutritional profile of the ingredient. In order to cut down on sugar, it is important to try and lower sugar intake gradually. Opting for natural sugars, such as the ones found in fruits can also take care of one's cravings. Other substitutes for white sugar can be stevia, loaded spices like cinnamon, date, or palm sugar to lose weight.
