Palm Jaggery is an artificially manufactured sweetening agent, made from glucose or galactose, derived from sugar cane. It is made from the pulp of seeds of selected palms grown in Malaysia, South Africa and Australia. The galactose content varies, depending on the type of palm used. Palm sugar can be identified by the kind of palm, for example, karite palm sugar or manuka honey. All other forms of Palm are similarly processed and contain similar nutritional value.
Palm jaggery is an excellent sweetener, providing a rich source of nutritional values. It is also rich source of potassium, trace minerals, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc and iron. As a natural sweetener, it contains approximately seventy percent carbohydrates, twenty percent protein, four percent lipids and one percent crude fiber. In addition, it provides high amounts of vitamins C and E, calcium, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and pantothenic acid.
Palm jaggery is known for its health benefits in various cultures. It is highly preferred in Asian countries like China, India and Malaysia. Moreover, it is a popular alternative treatment for some health problems. These health benefits may be due to the content of sugars, starches, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that it provides. Here are some of the more common health benefits associated with Palm jaggery and its various edible forms:
Metabolism: One of the important properties of this sweetener is that it helps to improve the metabolic rate, especially in persons with hyperactive conditions. Moreover, it helps to prevent dehydration, helping to preserve fluid retention. Palm jaggery contains two types of non-essential sugars that have excellent antioxidant properties that are essential in combating free radicals. Among its other properties, it helps to stimulate the pancreatic islet cells that produce insulin and release glucose after a meal, which is beneficial in persons with diabetes.
Water Retention: One of the properties of Palm jaggery that is great to note is that it helps in improving the water retention in the body. For people who have excessive water retention, it is advisable to use this great source of natural sweeteners. Moreover, it helps to reduce the instances of gallstones and cholesterol problems. It also contributes to the regulation of blood pressure and is a great source of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, phosphorus, bromine, zinc, iron and the Vitamin B complex.
In addition to the above benefits, this great sweetener helps in improving digestion and at the same time, increases energy levels. Palm jaggery has some of the most powerful natural health nutrients that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach lining to improve digestion and at the same time, reduces spasms, cramps and other abdominal pains. It also helps to reduce cholesterol levels and thus contributes to good overall health of the heart and brain. As a result, the overall health of the human body is enhanced and one feels light, fresh and full of energy.