Tag: Sugar vs jaggery

Despite being widely marketed as a healthy alternative, jaggery syrup and refined sugar have nearly identical calorie counts. This comparison of jaggery syrup and refined sugar explores their nutritional differences, shedding light on whether switching sweeteners truly offers a significant health advantage.

Gram for gram, both white sugar and jaggery contain a similar number of calories, around 380-390 kcal per 100g. The main difference lies in their processing and mineral content, which influences which is better, sugar or jaggery, for overall health.

Gram for gram, jaggery contains almost the same amount of calories as refined sugar, yet it is often praised as a healthier alternative. The primary reason why is jaggery more healthy than sugar lies in its minimal processing, which helps it retain a higher content of natural minerals and antioxidants.

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts like the *Charaka Samhita*, jaggery is considered alkaline-forming after digestion, while refined sugar is acid-forming. This foundational difference highlights why the two sweeteners are not considered equal, despite their similar caloric content. This article explores the holistic Ayurvedic view on jaggery versus refined sugar, delving into their distinct properties and health effects.

Gram for gram, jaggery contains almost the same number of calories as refined sugar, yet many consider it the healthier option. But when it comes to the ultimate question of which is worse, sugar or jaggery, the answer is more nuanced than simple calorie counting.