10 Surprising Benefits of Jaggery for Skin and Health

Do you enjoy consuming sugar but find it difficult to satisfy your cravings since you are aware of how it negatively impacts your body? Jaggery can be an excellent substitute for sugar, so you don’t have to give up on it now. Despite its popularity as an ingredient, the benefits of jaggery for skin and health remain relatively unknown. As it turns out, incorporating moderate amounts of jaggery into one’s diet and skincare regimen can have some truly shocking wellness upsides. So, before we dive into the shocking yet amazing benefits of jaggery for skin and health let us know a little bit about what is jaggery and its discovery.

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What is Jaggery? How it is Extracted

Jaggery is mainly produced in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, majorly 70% in India. In India, it is commonly referred to as “GUR” in Hindi language. It is a sweetener, naturally made from the juice or extract of sugarcane.

Sugarcane juice is extracted with the help of conventional crushers and left and stored in large containers for any sediments to settle down at the bottom. The juice is later filtered and boiled for hours in a deep iron pan until reduced and a thick dense liquid is formed. This liquid is further left to cool down and raw and unfiltered Jaggery is made. Later, it is solidified and cut into different shapes and sizes. Lastly, it is packed into plastic to increase its shelf life.

Although, Jaggery doesn’t expire, however, needs to be stored in a dry place. In fact, no physical changes can be noticed for as long as 20 months if stored properly. Surprisingly, the older the jaggery turns, the more its health benefits increase.

Amazingly, jaggery has been widely used by people since ancient times and now after the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more aware of its health benefits and the ways they can use jaggery in day-to-day life and make a significant change in their healthy lifestyles.

Now, we know what jaggery is, however, have you ever wondered who discovered jaggery? What is it named in different parts of the world? Are there any other types of jaggery?

Come, let’s have a glance at a few interesting facts about jaggery before learning about the benefits of jaggery for skin and health.

Who Discovered Jaggery? Its Origin

According to experts, jaggery was discovered in the late 1600s. it is said that it was discovered in Southern parts of India and surprisingly the Portuguese were the ones who discovered Jaggery, initially called jágara, jagra in Malayalam ( An Indian Language). Then it was propagated in different parts of the world like Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Before diving toward our main topic i.e. 10 benefits of jaggery for skin and health. Let’s learn what is Jaggery called or named or known as in different parts of the world, so in whichever part of the world you live or visit you know how to ask for it.

In India, it is called Gur or Shakkar.
In Brazil, it is called Rapadura.
In Japan as Kokuto.
In Columbia as Panela.
In Costa Rico as Tapa Dulce.
In Thailand as Namtan Tanode.
In Malaysia as Gula Melaka.
In Swedish as Indiskt rasocker.
In Nigeria as Marzankwaila (in Hausa).
In Mexico as Panela, and in Latin America.
In Srilanka as Hakura.
In French as Sucre de Palme.
And in most parts of the UK and the USA as Cane Sugar.

Interesting?? Drop down in the comments if it is called differently in your region.

Well, now we know pretty much all about Jaggery, and let us now learn how to add this magical ingredient to our day-to-day life to enhance our health and beauty. Let us now learn about the benefits of Jaggery for skin and Health. To Understand better we have divided the benefits of jaggery for skin and health into two sections:

1. Benefits of Jaggery for Skin.
2. Benefits of Jaggery for Health

10 Benefits of Jaggery for Skin

Jaggery is a rich source of iron, folic acid, vitamin B, and calcium and is a natural source of glycolic acid thus providing several benefits to the skin which are as follows:

Controls wrinkles.
Delays visible aging.
Helps fade away pigmentation.
Nourishes the skin by providing many vital vitamins.
Helps treat and lighten acne and pimple marks.
Acts as a mild Exfoliant.
Makes skin soft and supple.
Glowing and radiant skin.
Improves appearance.
Clears complexion and makes skin spotless.

Wondering how to use Jaggery directly on your Skin?

Peeps, I got your back…!
Here are some easy and quick homemade masks and scrubs you can prepare at your ease and comfort and get your desirable skin.

1. Jaggery Face Scrub:

Gur (Jaggery), Lemon & Honey Scrub

Take some Jaggery, and crush it to 2 tablespoons in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and half a tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it well enough to form a thick paste. Apply this paste evenly on your face and neck, avoiding areas around the eyes or any area with open wounds. Leave it for 5-10 minutes to dry. Now, gently massage and scrub your face and neck in a circular motion. Rinse it with lukewarm water. Pat dry your face with a clean towel or tissues and apply your favorite moisturizer.

This will deep clean your skin, removing all your blackheads and whiteheads smoothly. Notice a healthy glow on your face by just using this scrub twice a week.

Jaggery and Milk scrub

Take 2 tablespoons of crushed Jaggery and simply mix 2-3 tablespoons of raw milk to it. Mix well and form a fine paste. Apply it on your face and neck. Keep it on for 10-15 minutes. Remove the scrub while gently massaging your face and neck in a circular motion and rinse it with lukewarm water. Apply moisturizer.

You can use this mild scrub every alternate day too for soft, supple, and glowing skin. This is an amazing benefit of jaggery for skin.

2. Jaggery Face Masks:

Jaggery, Lemon, and Honey Face Mask

Same as the scrub (mentioned above), mix all the ingredients and make a paste. All you need to do is add some rose water to make a fine paste and then apply it to your face and neck. Apply for 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Pat dry and apply moisturizer. Jaggery, rich in its anti-aging properties will nourish your skin, whereas lemon and honey will moisturize your skin giving you clean and glowing skin.

Jaggery, Tomato, and Turmeric Face Mask

Take 2 tablespoons of crushed Jaggery (jaggery powder), 1 tablespoon of tomato juice/pulp, and add a pinch of turmeric and mix well. If the paste is too thick you may add some more tomato juice or simply add rose water for a better consistency. Turmeric is well known for its anti-septic properties/benefits. Tomato juice helps in fading scars and blemishes. Jaggery helps in nourishing the skin and fades wrinkles. All three ingredients together work best for fighting skin issues like hyperpigmentation.

Jaggery and Aloe Vera Face Mask

The simplest face mask for acne-prone and dull skin. All you need to do is take 2 tablespoons of finely crushed Jaggery (powder) and mix 2-3 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera juice. You may add a few drops of rose water to form a consistent paste. Apply evenly on your face and neck and leave it to fully absorb in the skin. Rinse after 15-20 minutes.

Note: DO NOT ADD ANY CITRUS JUICE SUCH AS LEMON OR TOMATO TO THIS PASTE. Citrus juices directly applied to active acne can increase the infection causing more problems. And rinse it with cold water to close back the open pores.

Jaggery and Grape Pulp with Black Tea Face Mask

Take 1 tablespoon of finely crushed Jaggery and add 1 tablespoon of grape pulp (any variety of grapes). Take 2 tablespoons of black tea (boiled and then cooled down to room temperature) and add it to the prepared mixture to form a consistently thick paste. Apply it twice a week to get a clearer complexion, wrinkle-free and radiant skin.

All these scrubs and face masks have been personally tried and tested, but still, a patch test is certainly required before you try them on. Every skin type is different and beautiful in its own way, hence every ingredient may or may not suit all. And trust me! If these suit you, the magical jaggery will do wonders for your skin.

Just like your skin, Jaggery works magically when consumed in the right quantity for your health too. And perhaps, if you are healthy, your skin will automatically glow from within. Let’s learn further about the benefits of jaggery for health.

10 Benefits of Jaggery for Health

Now, that you already know about the benefits of jaggery for skin. So, get ready to be surprised to know the amazing benefits of jaggery for health.

Purifies Blood – Amazing Benefit of Jaggery for Health

It is said that regular consumption of Jaggery in the correct quantity cleanses blood, and hence keeps your body away from many diseases. Thus, making it the most amazing benefit of jaggery for health.

Jaggery Boosts Immunity

Jaggery is rich in many minerals and vitamins and thus strengthens your immune system. It helps boost your body’s resistance to infections like colds and coughs.

Controls Blood Pressure

Jaggery contains sodium and potassium which help in maintaining acid levels in your body and help keep your body temperature in control which indirectly controls your blood pressure. This is an important benefit of jaggery for health.

Treats Anemia

Suffering from anemia? Add a bit of jaggery to your meals. Jaggery is a rich source of Iron and can be very helpful for people suffering from anemia/iron deficiency. Jaggery may also increase your hemoglobin levels in your body.

Relieves Joint Pain

Some studies also prove that consuming a glass of milk along with jaggery regularly also helps strengthen your bones. Simultaneously it helps to prevent bone and joint pain.

Prevents Respiratory Problems

Jaggery also has some anti-allergic properties that help to prevent breathing-related problems such as bronchitis, asthma, etc., and gives relief to those people suffering from all these diseases.

Prevents Constipation

Jaggery also helps in stimulating your bowel movement and eventually relieves constipation. Many people prefer to consume a small piece of jaggery after lunch and dinner to improve their digestion and feel lighter.

Controls Sugar Level

Jaggery is rich in potassium, iron, and magnesium and hence is considered a better option than sugar. Where sugar is a BIG NO to be consumed by diabetic people as it spikes up sugar levels in the body, doctors advise them to consume jaggery in small quantities to maintain their sugar levels.

Detoxifies Liver

Jaggery is considered a natural body cleanser or detoxifier. It flushes out harmful toxins/chemicals from the body and helps detoxify the liver and improve its overall functioning.

Eases Menstrual Pain

Unbearable period cramps? Try eating a small piece of jaggery to elevate your mood and get relief from period cramps. Regular consumption of jaggery in small quantities is also helpful during PMS (premenstrual syndrome). The Iron and folate present in jaggery help in maintaining proper blood circulation and hence decrease period cramps.

Conclusion on Benefits of Jaggery for Skin and Health

Consume Jaggery Wisely!
Yes, you got me right. Jaggery has many vitamins, minerals, good nutrients, and many health and skin benefits and can be considered a healthy alternative/option to refined sugar. However, it needs to be consumed very wisely in moderation and in the right amount/quantity. Despite its nutritional value, jaggery is somewhat sugar only, so consuming it in large quantities is not a good idea.

Also, remember! Jaggery is not a replacement for any of your medical treatments or even a substitute for any medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor before making any changes to your diet to maintain a healthy balance, especially in case you are under medication or treatment or suffering from any allergies.

Thank you for reading this article. Feel free to comment or ask questions regarding the 10 Surprising benefits of jaggery for skin and health.

Also Read: Making it Easy on How to Manage PCOS with Diet and Exercise 2.0