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In today's era of health consciousness, we seek all kinds of ways to consume healthy food. But many of us, including myself, can't imagine starting our day without a piping hot cup of chai. This is why several methods have emerged to make our beloved tea healthier, one of the most popular being jaggery tea. Jaggery or gur is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane and is often touted as a healthier alternative to sugar tea. But is it actually healthy? If you have the same question in mind, then you have landed on the right page! Let’s find out if jaggery tea deserves the recognition it usually gets for being healthy.
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Jaggery, an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap, is often promoted as a healthier alternative to regular sugar due to its higher nutrient content and lower glycemic index. But is jaggery tea genuinely healthier than sugar tea? To provide clarity, we've consulted with experts to weigh in on the nutritional differences, health benefits, and potential drawbacks of both jaggery tea and sugar tea. Understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed choice for your daily tea ritual. Let's delve into the details and discover which one truly stands out as the healthier option.
Jaggery vs Sugar Tea: Let's discover which one truly stands out as the healthier option. Photo Credit: iStock
Is Jaggery Tea Healthier Than Sugar Tea?
According to nutritionist and dietician Shweta J Panchal, it is a common belief that jaggery tea, which contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and other minerals, is healthier. However, you need to keep two things in mind:
1. Tea contains compounds that reduce or nullify the absorption of minerals and nutrients. So, whether or not you add jaggery to your tea, your body will not benefit from it.
2. It does not matter where your body gets its glucose supply from, whether it's jaggery or sugar. This is because your body's response to glucose – which is an insulin spike – remains the same. So, you can choose jaggery instead of sugar, but you cannot avoid the insulin spike because the sugar levels in your blood will still increase.
Additionally, the expert points out that any kind of sweetener – be it jaggery or honey – is not a replacement for sugar. No amount of sweetener can increase the nutritive value of your tea.
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When Should You Avoid Consuming Tea?
Now that you know tea has compounds that can affect the absorption of nutrients, let’s find out when you should avoid it. According to Ayurvedic expert Dr. Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya, you should avoid drinking tea at the following times:
1. First Thing In The Morning:
The Ayurvedic expert advises against consuming tea first thing in the morning. This is because consuming caffeine on an empty stomach can disrupt cortisol production, leading to anxiety and imbalance before the day starts.
2. With Meals:
Tea is acidic, meaning it can hinder digestion. If you are having protein in your meals, combining it with tea can make it harder to digest and interfere with iron absorption. This is why you should avoid drinking tea one hour before and after meals.
3. After 4:00 PM:
The expert advises avoiding caffeine after 4:00 p.m. This is because caffeine can impact your sleep quality and health. Avoiding caffeine at least 10 hours before bedtime can enhance your sleep and promote better digestion.
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Keep these points in mind to make an informed decision about your tea consumption so that you can enjoy it without compromising your health!