The jar filled with golden-orange, sweet, rock-like substance finally comes out of its hibernation during winters and finds it place on one of the shelves in the kitchen. Its sweetness goes perfectly with every winter dish especially sarso ka saag and makki ki roti. We do not think you need any more details to know that we are talking about jaggery, popularly known as gur in India.
Without wasting any more time, let's talk about the benefits gur and why it is worth all the hype in winters.
1. Benefits of Gur
A form of unrefined sugar, made using raw and concentrated sugarcane juice, jaggery or gur is a natural sweetener and a good alternative of refined sugar. Because of its multiple health benefits, it differentiates itself from other sweeteners in the market like honey, brown sugar and white sugar.
- Aids in Weight Loss One of the most important benefits of gur is that it helps in quick digestion. By maintaining a balance of the electrolytes, it improves metabolism. Not only that, it flushes harmful toxins from the body, thus, purifying blood.
- Boosts immunity Jaggery contains essential minerals like zinc, selenium and a high amount of anti-oxidants which boosts the overall immunity of the body. It also keeps the blood hemoglobin count in check, which is also great for the immune system.
- Helps in fighting cold and flu The most important reason why consuming jaggery is recommended during winters is that it induces heat in the body. It has a naturally soothing influence on the body which helps in fighting cold and flu.
- Boosts energy Unlike sugar, jaggery is a complex carbohydrate, which means it takes time to break down, gradually energizing the body and keeping it energized for a longer time. Long lasting energy means we feel less fatigue and weakness.
- Controls Blood sugar levels Presence of nutrients like potassium and sodium helps in maintaining the levels of acid in the body, which in turn, controls the blood sugar levels. People with issues related to blood sugar levels can consume jaggery in controlled manner to keep their sugar in check.
- Helps in preventing respiratory diseases Eating jaggery with sesame seeds is known to be a perfect blend that cures respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, etc.
- Relieves menstrual pains Having small amount of jaggery with warm milk during periods can help in soothing cramps and menstrual pains.
2. How to consume jaggery in winters?
The easiest and most effective way to consume jaggery is by mixing crushed jaggery in hot water and drinking in the morning on an empty stomach. It is excellent for good bowel movement and is a good detoxifier for the lungs and gut. Jaggery tastes equally good when had with hot dal, roti and sabzi in a meal. You can also replace sugar with gur in many of your Indian desserts like kheer, ladoo and halwa. Adding jaggery to sweets is not only a healthier alternative but, it also give the end product a rustic texture.
Check out this recipe of til papdi made using jaggery, which is great for your next Makar Sakranti food prep!
Another way to have jaggery is by adding it in hot milk. Inspired by this concept, we have curated our Ashwagandha Turmeric Golden Latte (with jaggery).
3. Tassyam Ashwagandha Turmeric Golden Milk Latte
We have combined all the good benefits of jaggery, turmeric and ashwagandha to create the most amazing golden milk powder which will be your holy grail this winter season. The healing properties of turmeric, goodness of ashwagandha and subtle sweetness of jaggery will boost your immunity especially required during these times. Mix a spoonful in hot milk and enjoy your golden milk latte. Shop here.