Sugar and jaggery are both delicious sweeteners. How are these sweeteners different from each other, and which one should you choose?
Those of us who have a sweet tooth are well versed with the distinct tastes of both sugar and jaggery. Whenever we talk about sweeteners, the crystal-like refined sugar comes to mind. But there is another kind of sweetener popularly available in the market - thats jaggery or gudh. In fact, sugar and jaggery are the two most commonly used sweeteners across the country! Even though both are obtained from the same sources, they have huge differences in terms of their properties and benefits. Sugar and jaggery are both produced by using sugarcane juice, but are treated and processed differently.
They have different flavours and textures yet are often substituted for each other in desserts and drinks. Thus, there is always a sugar versus jaggery war going on which tends to confuse most of us. Keep reading to explore the differences between sugar and jaggery, and find out which one is healthier and better for you!
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1. The most common difference between these two are their appearance. Sugar is typically seen in the form of white, translucent crystals. Whereas jaggery is usually golden brown or dark brown in colour, depending on the extent to which it is cooked.
2. The texture of sugar crystal and is hard and difficult to break by hand. Jaggery, on the other hand, is soft, semi-solid and can be reshaped by hand.
3. Both are made from sugarcane juice but are processed differently. After the initial boiling, for sugar, the syrup is treated with charcoal to absorb unwanted particles - which gives the crystals a clear and transparent look. On the other hand, there is no treatment for jaggery except that the sugarcane syrup is boiled for several hours. Then the juice cools down to produce a thick paste.
4. Since sugar goes to a rigorous industrial process while being prepared it loses all its nutritional value and in the end is plain sucrose. Whereas jaggery manages to retain traces of iron, fiber and various mineral salts.
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Jaggery can treat breathing disorders, has anti-allergic properties and relaxes the respiratory muscles. It also cures constipation and clears the body of any excess mucus. Jaggery also boosts your digestion. A small piece taken after a meal can be very healthy.
Meanwhile, sugar is chastised as a source of empty calories with no nutritional value. It leads to sudden blood sugar spikes, weight gain and other ailments. So, when it comes to sugar versus jaggery, jaggery is definitely a healthier option. But, jaggery is rich in calories and must be consumed in moderation!
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Sugar Vs Jaggery: Which one is a MUST HAVE in your diet? Find out - PINKVILLA
