Jaggery Benefits in Summer: Leave sugar in the summer season and include jaggery in your diet.

Jaggery, also known as ‘jaggery’, has been used in Indian cuisine since ancient times. Jaggery, made by boiling the juice of raw sugarcane, offers many health benefits.

Dr. Vedika Premani, Dietitian, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, says it supports the consumption of jaggery during summers, but in limited quantities. “First of all, jaggery contains some amount of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and sodium, which are essential for maintaining body fluid balance and preventing dehydration.”

She suggests using jaggery instead of refined sugar as it contains small amounts of minerals like iron and calcium. The body needs these minerals to maintain bone health and facilitate energy metabolism.

For summer, says Dr Premani, it helps cool the body according to Ayurveda, “making it especially beneficial for reducing heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat rash”. She says that consuming jaggery affects sweating, which helps regulate body temperature and in turn helps keep yourself cool in hot weather.

When it comes to adding this superfood to your diet, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your sweet tooth in an effort to achieve good health. There are lots of jaggery recipes that you can easily make at home this summer. Let us share with you some healthy recipes made from jaggery.

Panakam

This popular traditional South Indian drink is made by mixing jaggery, water, ginger, lemon juice and cardamom. “It is known for its cooling properties and is often consumed during festivals or as a cooler in summers,” says Alok Singh, founder and farmer, Diga Organics and Agro Farms, Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Premani says, “To prepare it, dissolve jaggery in water and add a little ginger, cardamom and a little lemon juice to it. This mixture not only cools the body but also helps in digestion.

Nolen Jaggery Ice Cream

This recipe recommended by Dr. Premani is definitely going to be a hit among the youth. Dr Premani explains that originating from West Bengal, Nolen Jaggery ice cream is made by mixing Nolen Jaggery (date jaggery) with milk, cream and a pinch of salt into a creamy base. Freeze it until it hardens, and enjoy the rich, caramel-like flavor that instantly soothes the body in the heat.

sesame laddus

Most of us have memories related to sesame laddu. A common sweet eaten during pujas and festivals, it is made with sesame seeds and jaggery, which is rolled into balls with the loving hands of our mothers and grandmothers. Alok says that it is both nutritious and cooling. According to Alok Singh, “Sesame seeds are high in antioxidants and when mixed with jaggery, it makes a healthy snack.”

jaggery syrup

Summers are incomplete without cool and refreshing drinks. Replace your soda with jaggery syrup. This drink is made by adding lemon and cumin seeds to water and adding jaggery and black salt for spicy taste.

It is described as “a great hydrator and a healthy alternative to sugary sodas.” “Its sweet and sour taste tackles dehydration effectively,” says Dr. Premani.

Jaggery Kulfi

Kulfi is the epitome of dairy deliciousness. According to Dr. Premani, it is advised to boil milk with some grated jaggery, reduce it till it becomes thick and pour it into kulfi molds. “Freeze until ready, and enjoy a creamy indulgence, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.”

Disclaimer: The suggestions in this article are for general information. Do not take these tips and information as advice from a doctor or medical professional. In case of symptoms of any disease, definitely consult a doctor.