Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : June 10, 2016 10:34 AM IST
Read this in HINDI
Candy sugar commonly identified as khadi shakkar, mishri and rock candy is known for centuries for its therapeutic benefits in Ayurveda. It is known to combat symptoms of weakened immune system, chronic fatigue and stress. However in India, candy sugar has found its most frequent use in soothing a sore or aching throat during a cough.
If you develop a productive cough (a cough that causes phlegm), you can help your body expel the sputum using khadi shakkar. It contains essential nutrients that aid in breaking down the phlegm clearing cough, suggests a study published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal. Plus, it has a soothing effect on your throat and oral cavity. You can also try these 5 other natural remedies if you are suffering from cold and cough.
Here s how you can use it for cough
As mishri is a raw form of sugar, it is healthier as compared to table sugar. In many parts of South India, khadi shakkar is used to prepare a refreshing drink during summers. You can make the drink by mixing a spoonful of mishri powder to a glass of water. It is said to exert a soothing effect on the body and mind and help you relax from stress. The energy from glucose is supposed to relax your senses.
If you are wondering about its calorie count, here s all you need to know
Calories in candy sugar
Candy sugar is slightly lower in calories than white sugar. According to HealthifyMe, while one teaspoon of white sugar will provide you with 12 calories, one teaspoon of candy sugar will give you ten calories. Even though candy sugar is not too low in calories, you might still consider consuming it as it has a strong taste and only a sprinkle of candy sugar can keep you satiated. Moderation is the key to anything you eat. So, be careful not to eat too much of candy sugar either. Women should limit their sugar consumption to 100 calories per day and men should limit it to 150 calories.
Candy sugar for diabetics
If you are a diabetic, remember that replacing white sugar with any other sweetening agent will not help you control your blood sugar level, says Dr Pradeep Gadge diabetologist, Shreya Diabetes Centre, Mumbai. This is because candy sugar and white sugar and jaggery are derived from the same source sugarcane. It may be is better than white sugar concerning nutrients, but it has its fair share of sugar too. Here's a diet plan diabetics can use for better sugar control.
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