North India Statesman
[ad_1]
Diabetes and Jaggery: Jaggery It is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm juice, which is very popular in India. Unlike refined sugar, it retains some essential minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium as there is very little processing involved. However, due to the amount of micronutrients in jaggery, it is considered healthier than white sugar. This is the reason why many diabetic patients make a habit of eating sugar instead of jaggery, but this habit is not right because it can spoil their health. Let us try to understand why diabetics should avoid jaggery.
Why should diabetic patients not eat jaggery?
1. High Glycemic Index:
The glycemic index of jaggery is high, due to which there is not much difference between it and refined sugar. This means it increases blood sugar levels quickly. It is important for diabetics to keep glucose levels stable, and consuming high-GI foods like jaggery can cause a sudden rise, making diabetes difficult to control.
Even though jaggery is less processed than white sugar, its effect on blood sugar is almost the same. Including jaggery in the diet may hinder efforts to effectively manage blood sugar levels, which is the primary goal for diabetics.
3. Hidden calories
Jaggery is a very high calorie food, which can lead to weight gain if eaten frequently. Being overweight or obese can make diabetes worse, because excess weight is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity.
4. High Sucrose: Jaggery consists primarily of sucrose, which is a type of sugar that breaks down rapidly into glucose in the bloodstream. It is not good for diabetic patients. It can put you in big trouble by increasing the sugar level.
5. Poor Insulin Resistance:
Regular consumption of jaggery can increase blood sugar levels over time, which can worsen insulin resistance – a condition in which cells become less sensitive to insulin. This is especially harmful for diabetics who already struggle with poor insulin function.
