
Why Gur (Jaggery) wins over White Sugar every time
Dhampur Green's Shrey Gupta advocates for gur (jaggery) as a superior alternative to refined white sugar. Gur, made by naturally boiling sugarcane juice, retains vital nutrients like iron and calcium, unlike processed white sugar. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, regulates blood sugar, and enhances flavor in traditional sweets.
Sweet treats are an essential part of every celebration, adding joy and flavor to our favorite dishes. From traditional desserts to everyday indulgences, the choice of sweetener plays a crucial role in both taste and health.
One natural alternative that has stood the test of time is gur (jaggery)-a traditional substitute for refined white sugar that has been used for generations.
Shrey Gupta, Head of Operations at Dhampur Green, a leading Indian Specialty Sugars Brand, explains why gur is a better choice than white sugar every time!
Why Gur is the Best Sweetener
Gur is a naturally occurring sweetener made by boiling sugarcane juice or palm sap without the use of chemicals, whereas white sugar is highly processed and stripped of nutrients.
Operation Sindoor
Pak drones enter Indian airspace, explosions heard just hours after truce deal
Sirens, explosions in border districts after Pak breaks deal: What we know so far
'What happened to ceasefire?' J&K CM after explosions heard across Srinagar
Its distinct earthy flavor and numerous health benefits make it the perfect choice for desserts and everyday consumption.
Health Benefits of Gur Over White Sugar
Rich in Nutrients:
Gur is far more nutritious than white sugar, as it is rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It helps strengthen bones, prevent anemia, and increase hemoglobin levels.
Boosts Digestion:
Gur promotes gut health and metabolism, making it a great post-meal ingredient to prevent bloating.
Immunity Booster:
The high antioxidant and mineral content help maintain energy levels and fight seasonal illnesses.
Improves Blood Sugar Regulation:
Unlike refined sugar, which causes sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, gur releases energy gradually, keeping you full and active for longer.
Enhances Flavor:
With its deep, rich taste and natural caramel-like sweetness, gur adds an authentic touch to traditional sweets.
How to Use Gur in Your Everyday Sweets
Phirni with Gur:
A creamy, nutty dessert with a delightful caramelized sweetness.
Gur and Dry Fruit Laddoos:
A wholesome, energy-packed treat for any occasion.
Meethi Roti with Gur:
A soft, aromatic dish best enjoyed with a drizzle of ghee for a delicious breakfast.
Sheera with Gur:
A warm, comforting dessert made with semolina and sweetened with jaggery.
A Sweet Tradition to Follow
Switching from refined sugar to the natural goodness of gur is a simple yet powerful way to add nutrition and depth of flavor to your favorite sweets. Not only does it enhance the taste, but it also contributes to overall well-being, making every bite more wholesome.
Embrace this age-old tradition and make gur the star of your desserts—because the best sweets are the ones that nourish both your taste buds and your health!
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first?
Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!
Click HERE for details.
Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Mother's Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
India gifts 40 ambulances to various health institutions across Nepal
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 14 (ANI): The Embassy of India in Kathmandu, on Saturday, gifted 40 ambulances to various health institutions, spread across different districts of Nepal. 'The vehicle handover ceremony was organised simultaneously at four locations, including the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the Consulate General of India in Birgunj and the Pension Paying Offices of the Embassy of India in Pokhara and Dharan,' a release from the Indian Embassy in Nepal stated. As per the embassy, 40 ambulances were gifted today, which covers 33 districts across all 7 provinces of Nepal. 'Out of these, 22 ambulances were handed over in Kathmandu. Further, 7 ambulances were handed over in Birgunj, 7 ambulances in Pokhara and 4 ambulances in Dharan by representatives of the Government of India,' the release added. At the ceremony held in Kathmandu, the keys of the vehicles were handed over by Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu. During the event, the Deputy Chief of Mission highlighted that gifting of ambulances has been one of the long-standing initiatives of the Government of India under the Nepal-India Development Partnership to bolster the efforts of the Government of Nepal to strengthen its infrastructure in the health sector. He added that 'this initiative is a part of the larger robust and vibrant development partnership between India and Nepal, which has expanded, deepened and diversified over the last seven decades.' During their interactions with the Deputy Chief of Mission at the event, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for India's support towards various ongoing developmental projects in their districts and Nepal at large. They expressed confidence that the newly gifted ambulances will help enhance accessibility to health services in their respective regions. Similar sentiments were expressed by the beneficiaries in Birgunj, Pokhara and Dharan as well. The Government of India has been gifting ambulances for more than three decades to various beneficiary organisations in different parts of Nepal, giving high priority to Nepal's health sector. Since 1994, the Government of India has gifted 1049 ambulances across Nepal, including those gifted today. Similar vehicle-related logistical support has been extended to the Government of Nepal on previous occasions as well. To date, 300 school buses have been gifted to various educational institutions in Nepal. In 2022, 200 vehicles were gifted to the law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission of Nepal for the conduct of elections. More recently, in May 2025, 15 electric vehicles were gifted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal to facilitate the organisation of the first edition of the 'Sagarmatha Sambaad'. India and Nepal enjoy a multi-faceted and multi-sectoral development partnership that is reflective of the closeness of the people of both countries. The extension of these logistical provisions reflects the continued commitment of the Government of India to the development of Nepal and to further strengthening of the people-to-people links between both countries. Mayors and Chairpersons of Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of various districts of Bagmati, Karnali, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as representatives of various beneficiary organisations, political representatives, and social workers, were also present on the occasion. (ANI)


Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Fatherhood redefined: Strength, sensitivity, and science
Fatherhood is evolving. Today, more men are stepping beyond the traditional roles of provider or protector to become deeply involved in the emotional and physical well-being of their families. From hands-on parenting to supporting their partners, modern men are redefining what it means to be a father – active, nurturing, and fully engaged in the journey of raising a family. As fathers take on more holistic roles in parenting, there's also a growing recognition of the importance of understanding family health history and genetics to ensure their family's well-being. Each of us inherits half of our genes from each parent, creating a unique genetic blueprint that not only shapes our physical traits, behaviors, and health conditions but also influences what we pass on to the next generation. With rising awareness of inherited health conditions and the importance of early intervention, many are now taking steps that were once considered to be solely in the domain of maternal healthcare. From preconception planning to active co-parenting and prenatal support to taking proactive measures for their own health, this Father's Day, let us look at the ways men are actively participating in the parenthood journey to help ensure a healthier future for their families. Fatherhood and Family Health Traditionally, pregnancy and childcare have been associated with women in most Indian families. However, with rising awareness around inherited diseases and greater access to genetic counseling and testing, men are increasingly stepping into more active roles, particularly during the preconception and prenatal stages. Genetic tests offer valuable insights not only into an individual's health but also into potential hereditary risks for children inheriting health conditions from their parents. Role of the Father in the Pregnancy Journey Planning for pregnancy A simple blood test for couples planning to have children can reveal if they are both carriers of the same condition and their offspring are at risk of inheriting it. Some conditions may not show symptoms, but identifying whether an individual carries genetic mutations for specific inherited disorders such as thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), or cystic fibrosis helps couples make informed decisions about potential use of prenatal testing or other reproductive options. Carrier screening can help prevent or manage the potential emotional and financial challenges for the family. Supporting and Making Informed Pregnancy Decisions Understanding and actively supporting screenings during the pregnancy journey is a vital part of being a supportive partner and an involved expectant father. Encouraging and supporting Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which screens common chromosomal abnormalities early in pregnancy, ensures better management of a child's genetic health and early intervention wherever possible. Fathers can help in making thoughtful, evidence-based decisions during this critical stage, laying the foundation for a healthier future for both the child and the family. Understanding and Managing Own Health Men with a family history of chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes can undergo genetic predisposition tests that provide insights into inherited risks of developing these conditions. These insights can empower individuals to take proactive steps through targeted lifestyle changes and personalized medical interventions. Taking charge of their own health fosters a culture of preventive care and informed decision-making regarding the health and well-being of the entire family. Driving the Cultural Shift Becoming more aware of the early health options available today is not just a medical decision, but a reflection of proactive fatherhood. It signifies foresight, accountability, and care. In this journey, genetic counselors play a critical role in guiding individuals and couples through these tests, interpreting results, and offering next steps in line with their goals. This Father's Day, let's celebrate not just the role, but the responsibility of fatherhood – one that's informed, involved, and inspired by science. (The writer is a, Senior Director, Lab Operations, MedGenome)


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
‘More Indian men seek mental health help'
Mumbai: Indian men in urban areas could be changing as far as mental health is concerned. They are calling up mental helplines in larger numbers than before and speaking longer than before, according to five-year data from a mental health helpline service. "We registered a 126% rise in male mental health helpline calls from 2020 to 2024, with relationship issues and anxiety leading the concerns," according to Mpower, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, on Father's Day. According to national statistics, the rate of suicide for Indian men is 14.2 per 100,000 male population. tnn Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .