Healthier alternatives to white sugar, Ayurveda approved!
20 February, 2023by
Suryan Organic
By SOSE Organic & Natural
Conventional white sugar creates
various health imbalances, so if you need to indulge your sweet toothe, go for
Mishri, Jaggery Powder or Honey. In addition to being delicious, they also
offer various health benefits!
Conventional white sugar is made using a range of chemicals which may include Sulphur dioxide, Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Hydroxide and Polycrylamides. These chemicals are known pollutants or neurotoxins and can be harmful to one’s health. A better alternative is organic white or brown sugar, which is made using natural substances. However, in order to get the full nutritional and medicinal benefits, one can consider using Honey, Rock sugar (also known as Mishri or Khadi sakar) or Jaggery Powder regularly in moderation. All these sweeteners are highly regarded in Ayurveda, and are also used as ingredients in various Ayurvedic medicines. Though one should use them only in organic form, as inorganic honey, rock sugar or jaggery may be as harmful as white sugar.
Rock sugar (Mishri or Khadi Sakar)
Mishri
is made with raw sugar crystals processed in water and milk. It contains none
of the chemicals used to manufacture conventional white sugar. According to
Ayurveda -
1.Mishri is highly
regarded in Ayurveda for its cooling nature and ability to balance vata and
pitta dosha.
2.Rock sugar also
improves vision, and helps to balance acid levels in the blood.
3.It removes
tiredness, improves strength and seminal fluid in males.
4.Khadi sakar can
also help as a laxative, and can help to treat vomiting and nausea.
How to use – One may use this as a substitute for regular white
sugar.
Precautions – Khadi sakar can be very cooling and should be used
in moderation. People with diabetes should exercise caution.
Jaggery
is a type of unrefined sugar wherein molasses are not removed. As per Ayurveda
jiggery offers the following health benefits –
1.Jaggery helps to
balance vata and pitta dosha.
2.It cleanses
bladder and urine, and is also a blood purifier.
3.It increases
strength and body fat.
4.Jaggery is a
good source of B vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, etc.
How to use – One may use this as a substitute for regular white
sugar. Do not directly heat it with milk as it may lead to spoiling of milk.
Precautions – Jaggery should be stored safely else it may cause
worm infestation. It should also be used in moderation. People with diabetes
should exercise caution.
Honey
offers a powerhouse of health benefits. According to Ayurveda, below are some
of the health benefits offered by honey.
1)Honey penetrates
deep into the body, improving bio-availability of substances taken with it.
Hence, many Ayurvedic medicines are adviced to be taken with honey.
2)Honey also has
natural anti-bacterial properties, and is useful to treat respiratory infections.
3)Honey is good
for skin, vision, voice quality and digestive fire.
4)Honey is a great
detoxifier, it cleans the inner channels of the body.
How to use – Honey may be added to cool drinks or foods such as milk, fruit or yoghurt. It may also be consumed with lemon, turmeric or ginger during periods of illness.
Precautions – Honey should not be heated or added to hot drinks.
According to Ayurveda, heating honey creates toxins in the body.