MEALS THAT HEAL :The healthy sweetener

The Hindu : Muthukumar D :, October 6, 2013

A traditional south Indian jaggery-based drink

Jaggery is a common sweetener used in the preparation of various dishes. It is a traditional type of amorphous, unrefined and non-distilled sugar. 

Although jaggery and sugar are prepared from the same source, the two are different in appearance, properties and benefits. Jaggery is prepared from the sap or juice of plants such as sugarcane and date palm. 

Jaggery prepared from palm trees is known as palm jaggery and the benefits are similar to the benefits of jaggery prepared from sugarcane.

It is used to make candies, toffees, jaggery cakes and many sweets. Jaggery is a healthy alternative to white sugar and is known as ‘medicinal sugar’ because of its various health benefits.

The process of making jaggery from plant sources does not involve chemical agents, and hence all the natural mineral salts are retained in it.

 Jaggery is known to have various medicinal properties and health benefits.

 It effectively cleans the respiratory tract, food pipe, lungs, stomach and intestines. It helps the body to get rid of unwanted matter andprovides relief from constipation. It is a digestive aid.

 It is considered a storehouse of important minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, etc.

Now, for a recipe.

Panakam

Ingredients:

Grated jaggery: 2 tbsp

Water: 400 ml

Dry ginger: A pinch

Crush cardamom: 2 pieces

Crushed pepper corn: 6-7 pieces

Method:

Mix the grated jaggery in water and let it dissolve completely. Filter the jaggery water.

Add dried ginger powder, crushed cardamom and crushed pepper.

Mix well and serve it at room temperature or chilled.