As soon as the winter season arrives, the aroma and sweetness of jaggery make a special place in our diet. Sesame-jaggery sweets, jaggery tea, or just a piece of jaggery… hearing all this makes the mouth water. Jaggery is not only sweet, but it also contains iron, minerals, and many nutrients. But do you know that if you have diabetes, can you eat jaggery without hesitation? Let us know how safe jaggery is for sugar patients and what the risks of eating it are.
According to experts, even though jaggery is less processed than sugar, it also contains a lot of sugar. After eating jaggery, the glucose level in the body can increase rapidly, which can cause problems for diabetes patients. Its glycemic index is also very high, which increases blood sugar rapidly.
Nutrients and tremendous benefits of jaggery
Jaggery contains nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins. It helps in digestion, cleanses the blood, and boosts immunity. In winter, it keeps the body warm and relieves fatigue. But despite these benefits, it is important for diabetes patients to eat it in limited quantities.
Dangers of eating jaggery in diabetes
If your diabetes level is not under control and you eat jaggery regularly, your blood sugar may increase suddenly. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and other complications related to diabetes. Especially eating jaggery on an empty stomach can increase the sugar level very much, which is very dangerous.
How much jaggery should be eaten in diabetes
Experts say that if your diabetes is under control and you have consulted a doctor, then half to one small piece of jaggery can be eaten in a day. Instead of eating it directly, it is better to take it with a healthy recipe like millet roti or by mixing it in hot milk.
Healthy alternatives to jaggery
If you crave something sweet, you can choose these alternatives instead of jaggery:
Dates:- This is a great alternative to jaggery.
Sugar-free sweetener:- It can be used in limited quantities.
Seasonal fruits:- These will satisfy your sweet tooth and will also have less impact on blood sugar.
Honey:- Pure honey can also be consumed in limited quantities, but consult a doctor.
Even though jaggery has many health benefits, diabetic patients should consume it wisely and only after consulting a doctor. Jaggery taken in the right quantity and at the right time can protect you from harm and also give you taste.