At the height of winter when no amount of clothing helps, warming foods can some in as a saviour to warm our body from within. Jaggery (or gur) is one of the topmost foods that people suggest to knock off the winter chills. Jaggery is a highly potent food that generates heat in the body, protecting us from the chilling weather. One of the best ways to stay warm and safe is to drink warm jaggery water regularly in the morning during winter. Yes, give lime water a break and switch to jaggery water to brave the cold winds.
Jaggery Water Health Benefits
Dietitian Sunita Chowdhary says, "Jaggery is beneficial to have in winters as it helps to dilate blood vessels and produces warmth in the body. Jaggery is made from sugar cane or from date palm and the heat is produced by the high calorie content in it."
Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja seconds it, "Jaggery is rich in many vital vitamins and minerals. It is known to boost immunity, keep the body warm, ward off cold and cough and control the temperature of the body. This natural sweetener is best consumed during winter because you get fresh jaggery during this time."
Owing to the various health benefits of jaggery, when you dilute it in warm water and have on empty stomach, the drink offers many benefits including weight loss and smooth digestion.
Jaggery is extremely rich in iron, antioxidants and vitamin C content, so drinking this sweet warm water may also help ease respiratory and throat issues.
The advantages of starting your day with a glass of warm water mixed with jaggery are many. If not for a particular reason, drink it for overall good health in winter.
(Also Read: Fenugreek (Methi) Water Benefits: 5 Reasons To Drink This Every Morning)
Drink jaggery water early in the morning.
How To Make Jaggery Water:
Heat a glass of water in a pan and add a 1-inch piece of jaggery to it. Stir so that it melts. Strain and drink when slightly cooled down. You can even grind jaggery to make fine powder and mix it directly to the glass of warm water.
Remember that jaggery is very potent and has a very high calorific value. So, it would be better if you have this jaggery drink every alternate day or give occasional breaks in between the routine. The best part is that this sweet drink tastes good as well.
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)