Is Jaggery Better for Diabetes Than Sugar? Here is Truth

Jaggery Better for Diabetes:

In recent years, many people with diabetes have turned to jaggery as a healthier alternative to sugar. While it is widely believed that jaggery might be a safer choice for diabetic patients, nutritionists suggest that the truth is not as simple. Let’s delve into the comparison between jaggery and sugar and understand which might be better for people with diabetes.

Jaggery Better for Diabetes:

Jaggery is a natural sweetener made by boiling raw sugarcane juice or date palm sap. It is less processed than white sugar and contains trace amounts of minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. On the other hand, sugar is a highly refined product that provides empty calories without any beneficial nutrients.

However, the key factor that sets jaggery and sugar apart is their glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. The higher the number, the faster the sugar levels rise.

Glycemic Index: Sugar vs. Jaggery

While jaggery is believed to have a lower glycemic index than sugar, the difference is not as significant as many think. The glycemic index of white sugar ranges between 70-75, while jaggery’s glycemic index falls between 80-85. This means jaggery raises blood sugar levels faster than sugar, which is contrary to popular belief.

Is Jaggery Safe for Diabetics?

While jaggery contains some beneficial minerals, it still has the same amount of calories and carbohydrates as sugar. Both jaggery and sugar are made primarily of sucrose, which breaks down into glucose and fructose in the body. These sugars eventually enter the bloodstream and cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

Nutrition experts recommend that people with diabetes should be cautious with both jaggery and sugar. Although jaggery may provide some nutritional benefits by consuming it in excess can cause a spike in blood sugar levels similar to the effect of consuming white sugar.

What Do Nutritionists Say?

Nutritionists advise that moderation is key when it comes to sweeteners. Both sugar and jaggery should be consumed in limited quantities. Many experts suggest that diabetic patients should avoid sugary foods altogether and focus on maintaining a balanced diet. For those who do consume jaggery, it is recommended to limit it to just one or two teaspoons per day to prevent unwanted blood sugar spikes.

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