## Sugar vs.jaggery: A Gut Doctor’sโค Reality Check
Isโค jaggery truly a โฃhealthier choice to refined white sugar? Dr. Pal Manickam, a board-certified gastroenterologist adn Director of Preventive gastroenterology atโฃ a California-based practice, recently addressed this common question in a video shared on his Instagramโข (@dr.pal.manickam). The video, and subsequent reporting, aims to clarify the differences – and similarities – between โthe โtwo sweeteners.
Dr. โPal’sโค assessment โฃdoesn’t position jaggery as a free pass to indulge. While acknowledging its traditional use and appealing flavor,โข he emphasizes that jaggery *is*โ still a form of sugar โand shouldn’t be considered a health food. He humorously pointed out โฃa common tendency: people frequently enough avoid white โsugar while freely consuming larger quantities ofโฃ jaggery, mistakenly believing it to be considerably better.
however, Dr. Pal did highlight a โคfew areas whereโ palm jaggery โคedges out refined white sugar. He noted itsโ lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a moreโ gradual riseโ in blood โsugarโ levels, providing more sustainedโค energy. Furthermore, he pointed to the environmental benefits of palm โขtrees, which require less landโฃ and water compared โฃto sugarcane โฃcultivation. Jaggery also containsโฃ some micronutrients, though Dr. Pal cautioned against overstating this benefit.
The video also addressed a common concern about jaggery’s color. Dr. Pal clarified thatโ the lightening of jaggery when dissolved is due to impurities dissolving, *not* a โsign of adulteration. This processโ doesn’t diminish the mineral content or render the jaggery unsafe.
Reinforcing Dr. Pal’sโค message, nutrition experts emphasize that both sugarโฃ andโข jaggery originate from sugarcane and โhave similar calorie counts. A recent report from Redcliffeโค Labs confirms thatโฃ while โฃjaggery retains traceโฃ amounts โขof minerals, its glycemic index remainsโ high enough to significantly impact blood sugar levels. Thus, moderation is crucial for everyone, including individuals with diabetes. โ
Dr.Pal Manickam is knownโ for his ability toโข simplify complex medicalโค details thru a blend of humor and evidence-based guidance.His work frequently focusesโ on gut health, plant-based diets, โฃand time-restricted eating, โฃand he maintains aโ strong presence on social media to inform theโค public. Ultimately, the โฃconsensus remains: limiting overall sugar intake, regardless of the โsource, is the safest and most effective approach to maintaining goodโค health.