The Truth Behind Milk and Jaggery: Ayurvedic Benefits and Scientific Considerations

Jaggery, also known as gur, is an unrefined sugar derived from sugarcane juice that has been celebrated for its nutritional benefits. Recently, there has been growing interest in combining jaggery with milk as a nighttime remedy, a practice rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. Advocates claim that this combination can promote restful sleep, enhance digestive health, and provide other health benefits. But what does the evidence say?

According to Ayurveda, the combination of milk and jaggery before bed can be particularly beneficial. Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Dimple Jangda explains that milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid known to aid in the release of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep. Additionally, milk offers high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and contains vitamins B12 and D, which support nerve function and bone health.

Jaggery, in its raw and unrefined form, retains nutritional value that is often lost in refined sugars. Dr. Jangda highlights that jaggery is rich in trace minerals and vitamins, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Moreover, jaggery stimulates digestive fire and helps balance the kapha dosha in Ayurveda. It is also believed to detoxify the body by eliminating undigested food and toxins from the gut. The iron content in jaggery can help prevent anemia, especially in those with iron deficiency, and its trace minerals like potassium and magnesium support various bodily functions, including maintaining electrolyte balance and supporting metabolic processes. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery has a lower glycemic index, which means it causes a slower rise in blood glucose levels, making it a preferable option for managing energy levels.

Dr. Jangda further asserts that the combination of milk and jaggery can reduce dryness in the digestive system, alleviate excess heat or cold, and promote calmness and stability. She also suggests that this mixture could be an effective remedy for sleep issues and insomnia. Additionally, the calcium in milk is vital for strong bones and teeth, and jaggery may enhance the absorption of calcium, further promoting bone health, according to Dr. Swetha Birali, a dietician at Gleneagles Global Hospitals.

However, experts advise caution in consuming this combination. Dr. Birali warns that while milk with jaggery may offer health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals with blood sugar concerns. Although jaggery is a natural sweetener, it can still impact blood sugar levels. Additionally, those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy should avoid this combination and consider alternatives like almond or coconut milk.

Dietitian Fauziya Ansari of Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, also advises against regular consumption of this mixture. She notes that from a scientific perspective, combining milk and jaggery might not be ideal due to the potential interaction between calcium and iron. Since milk is high in calcium, it could inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron found in jaggery, thereby potentially reducing the nutritional benefits of the jaggery when consumed together.

In conclusion, while the combination of milk and jaggery may offer some digestive and health benefits, it is not a universal remedy. As always, individual health considerations should guide dietary choices, and lifestyle modifications remain a more reliable approach to improving digestive health.