It is made with sugarcane in Charsadda, Pakistan. Jaggery, no matter which part of Pakistan you hail from, is an integral part of our food culture. What many don’t realise is that jaggery powder, more popularly known as Shakkar, has immense health benefits to impart as well.

Benefits of Jaggery Powder

Jaggery Powder is packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus and even has trace amounts of zinc, copper, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. Studies suggest that jaggery powder has B vitamins, some amounts of plant proteins and loads of phytochemicals and antioxidants. No wonder then that eating jaggery powder, especially during the winter season, has many potential benefits. The following are some health benefits you can garner by including more jaggery into your diet.

1. Cleanses the whole body

According to a 2009 study in Food Chemistry, the antioxidants and minerals in jaggery powder give it a cytoprotective quality, meaning that not only can it clear the mucus off the lungs but also cleans the respiratory and digestive tracts from the inside out. In fact, eating jaggery powder at least once daily can help detox your entire body.

2. Improves digestion 

There’s a reason why jaggery Powder is usually consumed after meals as a dessert. It stimulates the bowels and aids the release of digestive enzymes. It is also believed that jaggery powder is great for people who suffer from constipation and other digestive issues.

3. Prevents anemia

As mentioned before, jaggery powder is packed with minerals like iron and phosphorus, which aid in the production of hemoglobin in the body. For people with low-iron in their diet or at risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, consuming jaggery powder is an effective preventive measure.

4. Improves immune function

Any food that’s packed with nutrients and helps detox the body is great for your immune system and so, jaggery powder is believed to be one of the best immune-boosting foods available to human kind. This is also the reason why jaggery powder is consumed more during winter when your body needs that extra immunity boost to help keep cold, flu and other diseases at bay.

5. Aids glucose control and weight loss

Jaggery Powder is a great alternative to white sugar, which is known to increase your blood glucose levels and the risk of weight gain and obesity. Opting for jaggery powder as a sweetener can not only keep your blood sugar levels in check but also help you control your weight better. What’s more, jaggery powder can keep you feeling full for longer, which can also help you control your cravings when you’re trying to lose weight.