Jaggery: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More

Introduction

Jaggery has been used extensively over the years for its many benefits. Due to the wide use of jaggery in Ayurveda, it is also called “medicinal sugar”. It is prepared by processing or boiling sugarcane juice, obtained from the sugarcane plant “Saccharum officinarum”. Jaggery is also known as gud, vellam, Bella or bellam. In an Indian diet, it is consumed either directly or used to prepare several sweet-based foods. Jaggery is used to prepare several traditional sweet dishes like karadantu, godhi huggi, chikki, gazak, and payasam¹. This nutritious, unrefined sugar offers several benefits. Daily consumption of jaggery may help with asthma, cold, cough, and anaemia and may act as a natural cleansing agent.  

Nutritional Value of Jaggery

Jaggery contains various nutritional components that are given in the table below. They are rich in a variety of compounds including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants like selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.  

Nutritional value for 100 grams of solid jaggery is as follow²: 

• Energy: 383 Kcal 
• Sucrose: 65-85 g 
• Protein: 0.4 g 
• Fats: 0.1 g 
• Vitamin C: 7.0 mg 
• Vitamin E: 111.3 mg 
• Vitamin A: 3.8 mg 
• Vitamin B5: 0.01 mg 
• Vitamin B6: 0.01 mg 
• Vitamin B2: 0.06 mg 
• Vitamin B1: 0.01 mg 
• Potassium: 10-56 mg 
• Phosphorus: 20-90 mg 
• Calcium: 40-100 mg 
• Magnesium: 70-90 mg 
• Sodium: 19-30 mg 
• Copper: 0.1-0.9 mg 
• Iron: 10-13 mg 
• Zinc: 0.2-0.4 mg 

Properties of Jaggery

Scientific literature has found jaggery to show numerous properties as those mentioned below:  

• It may act as an anti-toxic agent.  
• It might have anti-neoplastic properties.  
• It may have antioxidant properties.  
• It may have a decongestant effect³.  

Potential Uses of Jaggery for Overall Health

Some of the potential benefits of jaggery are described as follows:  

1. Potential Uses of Jaggery for Hepatorenal Injury

Jaggery may have detoxification properties and its consumption may help remove toxins from the body and contribute to liver health. A study⁴ assessed the effect of jaggery on hepatorenal injury caused by carbon tetrachloride. The intervention was carried out in rats, which received an aqueous extract of jaggery at a dose of 250, 500, and 750mg/kg body weight. Observations under the microscope showed a degree of tissue recovery in treated groups. This indicates that jaggery may help reduce hepatic and renal damage. However, this study was conducted on animals, and more human studies are needed to support these claims. 

2. Potential Uses of Jaggery for Asthma and Allergies  

Asthma is characterised by the narrowing and inflammation of the airways, making breathing difficult. Jaggery is a rich source of iron, which may help support healthy haemoglobin levels. Haemoglobin plays a key role in transporting oxygen throughout the body, and maintaining adequate levels may support general respiratory function⁵. 

Some traditional practices suggest that jaggery may be useful in supporting respiratory health. It also contains trace elements such as selenium, which are believed to assist in neutralising certain external substances in the body^3,6. However, more studies are needed to confirm these claims in humans. 

3. Potential Uses of Jaggery in Smoke-Induced Lung Lesions

Exposure to dust, smoke, or industrial pollutants may lead to irritation or scarring of lung tissue over time. Traditional practices have sometimes associated jaggery with respiratory comfort, particularly in environments with air pollutants. One experimental study examined the effect of jaggery on dust-exposed rats, where the animals received 0.5 grams of jaggery daily for 90 days. The study observed a potential preventive effect on smoke-induced lung changes and suggested that jaggery might assist in the clearance of inhaled particles from lung tissue. This study showed the preventive action of jaggery on smoke-induced lung lesions and may indicate that jaggery can help in managing smoke-induced lung lesions⁶. However, human studies are required to ascertain these claims. 

4. Potential Uses of Jaggery for Anaemia

Anaemia often caused by iron deficiency, is characterised by a reduction of haemoglobin in the blood. Jaggery is a good source of iron and may help iron intake. It is also believed to have pitta-balancing properties in Ayurvedic practice⁵. 

However research is limited and individuals with anaemia or related concerns, are advised to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.  

5. Potential Uses of Jaggery for the Heart

Jaggery is a good source of potassium, which may help regulate heart function and blood pressure. Additionally, the potassium content in jaggery may help reduce the risk of cardiac diseases. The presence of magnesium in jaggery may help in protecting the blood vessels. Therefore, there is a possibility that the consumption of jaggery may positively impact the heart, but we need more human studies to support these claims⁵.  

6. Other Potential Uses of Jaggery

• The presence of magnesium in jaggery may help reduce stress and relax muscles.  
• The presence of calcium in jaggery may help in improving bone health.  
• It may purify blood and help in managing diseases like jaundice.  
• The presence of zinc and other minerals in jaggery may help in boosting immunity.  
• When consumed in moderate amounts, jaggery may help manage constipation, and stomach pain and improve digestion.  
• It may help in regulating the menstrual cycle due to the release of endorphins⁵. 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of jaggery in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of jaggery on human health.   

How to Use Jaggery?

Jaggery can be used in the following ways:  

• It can enhance the flavour of savoury dishes, such as sambhar and Gujarati curries, by adding a mild sweetness.  
• Jaggery is widely used in the preparation of several traditional sweet dishes like chikkis (nut brittle) and laddus, making it a common alternative to refined sugar in the food industry. It is an essential ingredient in Puranpoli, a well-known Maharashtrian dish, where its rich sweetness complements the spiced lentil filling. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.    

Jaggery is a traditional sweetener that is often included in meals for both its flavour and cultural significance. It is traditionally believed to help support digestion and may contribute to maintaining body warmth or promoting comfort after meals. In some practices, jaggery is also used to help with digestion. Preliminary studies have explored its potential roles in liver function and in supporting general well-being. Some individuals also use jaggery during certain times of the menstrual cycle⁹.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Jaggery

While jaggery is a popular traditional sweetener, it should be consumed in moderation. A few considerations include⁷: 

• The sugar content of jaggery is equal to that of white sugar. Thus, excessive consumption should be avoided in diabetic patients.  
• The consumption of jaggery may cause allergies. In individuals who are sensitive to sugars.             
• Excessive jaggery consumption can contribute to an increase in body weight.  
• Overconsumption of jaggery can cause difficulty in bowel movements. Additionally, freshly prepared jaggery may be harder to digest for some people. 

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to jaggery, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.

Also Read: Bael (Aegle Marmelos): Uses, Benefits, Nutritional Value & Side Effects

Precautions to Take with Jaggery

Eating jaggery is right if it is taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed while consuming jaggery.  

• Consuming moderate quantities of jaggery for diabetes is okay, but diabetics should avoid overeating jaggery as its sugar content is comparable to white sugar.   
• It is advised to avoid jaggery consumption if you are intolerant to sugar, because this may trigger an allergic reaction.  
• Eating jaggery in excess can cause stomach pain and indigestion⁴.  

Consider replacing refined white sugar with jaggery, a traditional, less processed sweetener. When combined with natural spices like ginger, turmeric, cardamom, or black pepper, jaggery offers a flavourful alternative that many find appealing⁸.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Interactions with Other Drugs

There is limited data regarding the interaction of jaggery with drugs. However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of jaggery with other drugs, and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.

Also Read: Psyllium Husk (Isabgol): Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Conclusion

Jaggery, often called “medicinal sugar,” is a traditional and nutritious sweetener valued for its potential health benefits, including support for digestion, respiratory health, and anaemia. While it may complement a healthy lifestyle, jaggery should be consumed in moderation, especially by those with sugar sensitivities or diabetes, and should never replace professional medical advice or treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Lamdande AG, Khabeer ST, Kulathooran R, Dasappa I. Effect of replacement of sugar with jaggery on pasting properties of wheat flour, physico-sensory and storage characteristics of muffins. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Aug;55(8):3144-3153. doi: 10.1007/s13197-018-3242-7. Epub 2018 Jun 1. PMID: 30065425; PMCID: PMC6046027. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6046027/  
2. Parth Hirpara et al. Jaggery: A natural sweetener. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2020; 9(5): 3145-3148. Available at: https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2020/vol9issue5/PartAR/9-5-516-642.pdf  
3. Jahan, Afifa. (2019). Jaggery: A traditional, Nutritional and medicinal sweetner. 32. 20. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342465207_Jaggery_A_traditional_Nutritional_and_medicinal_sweetner  
4. Sharma CK, Saxena M, Sharma V. Jaggery protects hepatorenal injury induced by acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2013.doi: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2013006793. PMID: 23758147. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23758147/  
5. Rao GP, Singh P. Value Addition and Fortification in Non-Centrifugal Sugar (Jaggery): A Potential Source of Functional and Nutraceutical Foods. Sugar Tech. 2022;24(2):387-396. doi: 10.1007/s12355-021-01020-3. Epub 2021 Jul 27. PMID: 34334974; PMCID: PMC8314846. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8314846/  
6. Sahu AP, Saxena AK. Enhanced translocation of particles from lungs by jaggery. Environ Health Perspect. 1994 Oct;102 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):211-4. doi: 10.1289/ehp.94102s5211. PMID: 7882934; PMCID: PMC1567304. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1567304/  
7. Parth Hirpara, Nitin Thakare, Vijay Kele, Patel D. Jaggery: A natural sweetener. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry [Internet]. 2020 Sep [cited 2025 May 30];9(5):3145–8. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344921769_Jaggery_A_natural_sweeten
8. Rao GP, Singh P. Value addition and fortification in non-centrifugal sugar (jaggery): a potential source of functional and nutraceutical foods. Sugar Tech. 2021 Jul;24(1):??–??. doi:10.1007/s12355-021-01020-3. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12355-021-01020-3
9. Shitole VM, Chavan N, Duggal M. Consumers preference towards organic food products: a study in Pune city with reference to jaggery. TOJDEL (Res J Pharmacol Pharmacodynamics). 2022 Jan;11(1):33–40. Available from: https://tojdel.net/journals/tojdel/articles/v11i01c02/v11i01-33.pdf

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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