Is Jaggery Good for People with Diabetes?

It is usually suggested that jaggery, a traditional Indian sweetener frequently used in food, is good for people with diabetes. Due to its supposed health advantages, jaggery is chosen over refined sugar in traditional foods and drinks, and is considered a good substitute in diabetic diets. Read on to learn whether jaggery is good for diabetics.

Can Diabetic Patients Eat Jaggery

While jaggery looks like a better option than refined sugar, it doesn’t necessarily imply that it will not increase your blood glucose levels. Because of this, many people with diabetes are unsure whether they should eat jaggery. Even though jiggery has a glycemic index lower than refined sugar, it is still a source of carbs and can raise blood sugar levels, if taken in huge amounts. For example, 100g of jaggery contains 98.96g of carbohydrates and 383 calories. On the other hand, a 100g serving of sugar has about 100g of carbohydrates and 387 calories. These nutritional values imply that jaggery is only slightly better than sugar. Therefore, jaggery and sugar are equally unsafe or unhealthy for people with diabetes, especially when eaten in large quantities.

High quantity of jaggery in the diet can cause weight gain, exacerbating insulin resistance and making blood sugar regulation more challenging. So, if you are a diabetic, consuming jaggery as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet must be done in moderation. Additionally, you need to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels to keep a check on it.

Which Type of Jaggery is Good for Diabetes?

There are a few elements to bear in mind when choosing jaggery for diabetes.

First, jaggery derived from sugarcane is preferred over jaggery derived from other sources, such as palm or date. It has a lower glycaemic index and might result in a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

Selecting jaggery that is minimally processed and lacking harmful components like colourants or preservatives is important. Also, only use organic jaggery for consumption if you are coping with diabetes.

Lastly, consuming excessive amounts of jaggery can lead to high blood sugar levels. Hence, moderation is the key here.