Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress on cells and reducing the risk of cardiovascular damage. Jaggery palm sugar is rich in phenolic compounds, which are powerful antioxidants. It contains a phenolic content ranging from approximately 2.77mg to 8.94 mg/100 g. In contrast, refined white sugar only contains an average of 0.02 mg/100g.
An analysis of molasses and unprocessed sugarcane juice reveals high concentrations of phytochemicals, phenolic compounds, and other antioxidants. Unfortunately, these biologically active and beneficial compounds are lost during the refinement process of sugar.
Is Palm Jaggery a Better Choice for People with Diabetes?
For individuals with diabetes, monitoring blood glucose levels and controlling sugar intake are essential. Palm jaggery is often promoted as a healthier alternative to white sugar due to its lower glycemic index. With a glycemic index ranging from 35 to 50, palm jaggery appears to have an advantage over white sugar, which has an average GI value of 63. Furthermore, palm jaggery contains a prebiotic called inulin that may help stabilize blood glucose levels.
However, despite these slight benefits, palm jaggery falls short in terms of its calorie and sugar content. Therefore, most experts recommend treating palm jaggery the same way as white table sugar when it comes to managing blood glucose levels and diabetes.