As winter sets in, jaggery takes the spotlight, becoming a key ingredient in various seasonal delights like gur ke ladoo and gajar ka halwa.
Its popularity during this time isn’t just about taste, it’s about the array of health benefits it offers. Surprisingly, aging jaggery can amplify these advantages.
Older jaggery steals the spotlight for its richer taste and a deeper hue, signaling higher mineral concentrations, especially iron and antioxidants. This aging process appears to bolster its nutritional content, potentially making older jaggery more health-friendly than its freshly made counterpart. Experts suggest that jaggery aged between 1 to 2 years is more potent in boosting immunity and delivering nutritional value.
What makes older jaggery nutritious?
Old or mature jaggery is often considered more beneficial than its newer counterpart. As jaggery ages, it tends to develop a richer flavor and darker color, indicating higher concentrations of minerals like iron and antioxidants. The maturation process may enhance its nutritional profile, making old jaggery potentially more advantageous in terms of health benefits compared to freshly made ones. According to experts, eating jaggery that is 1 to 2 years older has more nutritional value which boosts our immunity. Here’s a list of winter health perks that jaggery possesses.
Warmth and Vitality
Jaggery’s innate sweetness provides an instant energy surge, generating warmth within the body-a perfect companion during chilly winters.
Iron Enrichment
Its richness in iron contributes significantly to combating and preventing iron-deficiency anemia, aiding in maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels.
Immunity Boost
Laden with antioxidants, zinc, and selenium, jaggery bolsters the immune system, vital during the heightened cold and infection risks in winter.
Respiratory Support
Often used in traditional remedies, jaggery helps alleviate cough and cold symptoms, commonly experienced during the colder months.
Digestive Assistance
Supporting digestion and preventing constipation, moderate consumption of jaggery fosters a healthy digestive system, pivotal for overall well-being.
Joint Comfort
Some believe jaggery aids joint health, easing stiffness and discomfort-particularly beneficial during cold weather.
