6 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Much Jaggery

Jaggery stands out as a prominent sweetener due to its potential health benefits and rich nutrient profile. Recognized for its role as a reliable energy source, it has the capacity to boost metabolism and augment iron absorption. In Ayurveda, jaggery—known as guda or gur—is often employed to address various conditions, spanning from migraines to anxiety and fatigue. However, like any remedy, jaggery isn't exempt from drawbacks. Depending on individual medical history, overall health, and the purity of the jaggery itself, the consumption of this sugary ingredient might pose certain potential issues. Let's delve deeper into what to be mindful of!

# May Cause Weight Gain

Ringing in 38.3 calories with every 10 gm, jaggery is no diet food!. If you binge on jaggery and use it liberally in your beverages, meals, or desserts and snacks, you will rack up the calories and sugar, both of which can see you piling on the extra pounds. This is, after all, a food that’s largely just carbohydrates and that too mostly sugar. And while it has some nutrients, there are healthier and lower calorie ways to get those nutrients from your diet, be it through fresh vegetables, fruits, or whole grains.

# Has To Be Avoided If You Are Prone To Inflammation Or Swelling

According to ayurveda, gur or jaggery is best avoided for conditions of shotha – that is edema or swelling. Being a sugary food, it could worsen the swelling and any fluid retention you face. Which is why when it comes to amavata or the swelling of joints, jaggery winds up on a list of things to be avoided.

Sugary foods in general and refined sugar in particular are known to be linked to inflammation in the body. And while jaggery isn’t refined, it is still largely made up of sucrose, so if you have inflammatory conditions, including problems like rheumatoid arthritis, you might need to watch your intake.

# Raises Blood Sugar Levels

Ultimately, jaggery is a sweetener and high in sugar. If you’re diabetic, you’re probably watching your sugar intake to avoid episodes of hyperglycemia, where you see a sudden spike in blood glucose levels. And jaggery, like any sugary substance, can cause your blood sugar levels to rise when you eat it. Have too much and you run the very real risk of complications from hyperglycemia. A 10 gm serving of jaggery is almost entirely sugar, 9.7 gm of it to be exact.

# Raises Risk Of Parasitic Infections

If the jaggery itself is impure or not prepared properly, you also run the risk of contracting intestinal worms or parasites from eating it. As one study found, the relatively unhygienic conditions under which a lot of jaggery is prepared traditionally can mean that it is laden with microbes, many of which may even be resistant to different antibiotics and may adversely affect your health.

# Is Not Recommended For Those With Ulcerative Colitis

While jaggery is often seen as a better alternative to any other sweetener, it actually makes it to the list of foods you should avoid if you have ulcerative colitis. Sugars in general seem to worsen the problem, allowing undesirable intestinal microbes to flourish.

# May Cause Indigestion Or Constipation When Freshly Made

Freshly made jaggery is believed to be a kapha-inducing food according to ayurveda. As a result, it can cause indigestion. Some people report experiencing constipation from jaggery intake as well.