How much is the benefit of using jaggery instead of sugar for diabetic patients?

Many people patients believe that jaggery is a better sweetener than refined sugar. Their reasons for such belief vary.

While jaggery does contain traces of proteins, minerals like sodium, calcium, magnesium, jaggery is still 98% sugar. This '98% sugar' is the same which lands on your table as table sugar after chemical treatment for removal of unwanted colors and other elements in it.

From the sugar control point of view - using jaggery instead of white sugar has no benefits. The 2% extra things like protein, sodium, calcium, magnesium, etc. do not give any benefit in sugar control. The spike in blood glucose level will be the same whether jaggery or refined sugar is used.

If one wants to use jaggery instead of sugar for the reason of taste, avoiding chemically treated sugar, then its fine. But if one has expectations of better sugar control by using jaggery instead of refined sugar - then person will be disappointed.

Jaggery may have numerous benefits, but better sugar control is not one of the benefits.

People who are looking to replace refined sugar can consider stevia, sugar free natura drops [this product is available in pellets/tablets form also, but it changes the taste of food. Drops do not change as much in comparison.] Sugar free natura drops can also help(only a little though) towards better sugar control.

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