
The Importance of Jaggery in Post-Workout Recovery
, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 7 min reading time
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, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 7 min reading time
Now, there is seldom emphasis on the factor of recovery, especially when it has to do with health, fitness and dieting. Muscle groups, especially after training, require nourishment for them to be repaired and developed. This is why the right feed must be taken. While protein shakes and energy bars often dominate the conversation, there's a natural and traditional option that deserves more attention: The two types of sugar that are natural and highly recommended are sugarcane fruit and coconut palm sugar. The products referred to here are usually prepared from either sugarcane fruit or coconut palm and are prevalent in the southern region of the country. As it is packed with all the necessary and useful compounds, people are able to receive plenty of benefits from consuming jaggery after workouts. Today, in this blog, we will find out how jaggery is actually used in nutrition and fitness.
Jaggery is a non-centrifugal cane sugar,’ which is prepared from the juice of sugarcane or palm tree. Jaggery includes the molasses that come with the sugar, making it dark brown in colour with a different and more natural-tasting flavour. This naturally obtained flavour is popular in South Asian, African, and Caribbean regions for its unique taste and rich medicinal properties.
A key influential aspect that has placed jaggery on a high pedestal, even probably as in today’s post-workout meal, is the nutritional value associated with it. Jaggery is packed with essential nutrients, including:
After a workout session, for instance, a person feels exhausted, beeping, and hungry because the glycogen reserves in his or her body have been drained. Glycogen, among carbohydrates, acts as an immediate energy source during intense exercises, and it is therefore important to restock it for the next sessions. Since jaggery is packed with carbohydrates, it is the best food for replenishing these glycogen reserves. It is also low in the Glycemic Index as compared to refined sugar and supplies slow and sustained energy after the workout.
It is also crucial to pay attention to the muscle recovery time sometimes as known as glycogen recovery. Jaggery contains a number of nutrients like magnesium and potassium, which are helpful for refreshing muscles and consumers. It is used in muscle contractions and relaxation, and potassium, on the other hand, is used to prevent muscle cramps, besides being used in developing muscles. Thus, consuming jaggery after a workout is a smart way to make certain that your muscles will recover properly.
Physical exertion puts stress on one’s body, especially on the digestive system, which in return hits relaxation, causing uneasiness and minimising digestion of food. According to folk medicines, jaggery helps in proper digestion and performs a role in maintaining a healthy stomach. It helps in the stimulation of the production of digestive enzymes in the body and also works as a natural cleaner to the digestive system. It’s conceivable to invigorate the utilisation of jaggery after making a workout since it will help to recuperate the digestion and strengthen the assimilation of sustenance.
Also, exercise at a high intensity reduces one’s immunity, and this usually leads to more tallying to infections and other illnesses. It is evident that phenolic compounds, which fall under the class of antioxidants, assist the body to address the issue of oxidative stress and boost immunity. Also, the uses of the minerals present in jaggery, such as zinc and selenium, have a positive effect on the immune system of the human body. Therefore, it can be beneficial to include jaggery in your diet when training extensively in order to avoid an added barrier.
Proper hydration is essential for recovery and overall performance. Jaggery contains electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which help maintain fluid balance in the body. These electrolytes are lost through sweat during exercise and need to be replenished to prevent dehydration and maintain optimal muscle function. Consuming jaggery can help restore these electrolytes and promote better hydration post-workout.
Thus, jaggery can be characterised as a highly useful and nutritious food product that can help a lot in the process of post-workout recovery. Cooperating with muscles, vitamins strengthen the muscles, improve digestion, regulate the immune system, and hydrate, which makes it appropriate for athletes and people exercising. By adding the jaggery into your post-workout meal plan, you stand to gain these benefits and hit the targets that you have set in fitness. For all your protein and supplement needs, visit Genetic Nutrition!
Q1: How much jaggery should I eat in order to have an effective recovery after the workout?
A1: How much jaggery is good to take depends on the amount of energy required by one’s body as provided by the type of exercise. Consequently, usually, a portion weighing about 10-15 grams of jaggery is enough to help the body restore glycogen levels and achieve its goals. Some people require less, and some more. Thus, it is advised to seek nutritionist advice for the optimal portion.
Q2: Will jaggery powder replace my protein shake or any other supplement after my workouts?
A2: In a nutshell, jaggery should be integrated into an individual’s post-training diet regime but is insufficient to substitute protein powders and other supplements. As you may remember, jaggery is rich in minerals and boosts energy levels, though to replenish energy and repair the muscles, the latter contains protein. It is recommended for people to have jaggery in conjunction with nuts, seeds or some protein shake in order to have an all-round recovery procedure.
Q3: Is jaggery suitable for people with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake?
A3: Even though jaggery is healthier than refined sugar in the sense that it has other nutrients in it apart from sugars, it also is sugar! Diabetic patients and those with sugar concerns should limit their inclusion of jaggery within their regular diet plan and seek the opinion of their doctor in relation to this.
Q4: Is there any side effect that one can suffer after eating jaggery shortly after exercising?
A4: Nevertheless, jaggery is relatively safer for most of people when consumed in moderate amounts. However, there is a disadvantage of excessive consumption; this results in increased calorie and sugar intake that affects the weight and blood sugar levels. So, it is also important to regulate the intake of jaggery along with the food needs and exercises for it may trigger some negative impacts.