Jaggery Tea vs. Sugar Tea: Which is Healthier? Expert Insights
In today’s health-conscious era, we are constantly searching for nutritious food options. However, many of us, including myself, can’t imagine starting our day without a steaming cup of chai. This has led to the emergence of various methods to make tea healthier, with jaggery tea being one of the most popular choices. Jaggery, or gur, is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane and is often considered a healthier alternative to regular sugar. But is it really better for you? If you’re pondering this question, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore whether jaggery tea deserves its reputation as a healthier option.
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Jaggery, an unrefined sweetener derived from sugarcane or palm sap, is often promoted as healthier than regular sugar due to its higher nutrient content and lower glycemic index. But is jaggery tea truly better for you than sugar tea? To clarify this, we consulted experts to compare the nutritional differences, health benefits, and potential drawbacks of both jaggery tea and sugar tea. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed choice for your daily tea ritual. Let’s delve into the details to see which one stands out as the healthier option.
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Is Jaggery Tea Healthier Than Sugar Tea?
Nutritionist and dietician Shweta J Panchal points out that while jaggery tea contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and other minerals, two key factors should be considered:
1. Tea contains compounds that inhibit the absorption of minerals and nutrients. Thus, whether you add jaggery to your tea or not, your body will not benefit significantly from these nutrients.
2. Your body’s glucose response—an insulin spike—remains the same regardless of whether the glucose comes from jaggery or sugar. Therefore, while you can choose jaggery over sugar, you cannot avoid the insulin spike since your blood sugar levels will still increase.
Additionally, the expert notes that any sweetener, whether jaggery or honey, does not enhance the nutritive value of your tea.
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When Should You Avoid Consuming Tea?
Now that you know tea contains compounds that can affect nutrient absorption, let’s explore when to avoid drinking it. Ayurvedic expert Dr. Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya recommends avoiding tea at the following times:
1. First Thing In The Morning:
Consuming caffeine on an empty stomach can disrupt cortisol production, leading to anxiety and imbalance before your day starts.
2. With Meals:
Tea’s acidity can hinder digestion, especially when consuming protein-rich meals. It can interfere with iron absorption, so avoid drinking tea one hour before and after meals.
3. After 4:00 PM:
Caffeine consumption after 4:00 PM can affect sleep quality and health. Avoiding caffeine at least 10 hours before bedtime can enhance sleep and promote better digestion.
Also Read: Watch: Video Of Jaggery Making Process Sparks Hygiene Debate On Internet
Keep these tips in mind to make informed decisions about your tea consumption, ensuring you can enjoy it without compromising your health!