Mishri vs Sugar: Is One Better Than the Other? Time and time again, sugar has been villainized by the health industry in modern diets in order to instill fear in the minds of people. Sugar has always borne the brunt of it all when it comes to foods that are unhealthy for the human body.
We as a society have always learned that consuming sugar in copious amounts is not good for our health as it can cause several non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity. This has led to many finding alternatives to sugar to quench the sweet cravings that never seem to go away.
Mishri vs sugar is one new debate that has been quite the rage in the nutrition space. A lot of Indians claim mishri to be a superior alternative to sugar and say that it is a purer form of sugar that their ancestors consumed.
In this article, we will put an end to the mishri vs. sugar dispute and give you a greater insight into the nutritional benefits of both so that you know which to consume for better health.
Mishri vs Sugar: What are the two?
Mishri:
Mishri, more commonly known as rock sugar, is a crystallized form of sugar. In India, it is also known as “khadi sakhar” and is derived from sugarcane or palm sap. Unlike sugar, it is minimally processed and still has some traces of nutrients in it. It is commonly used in religious practices and also has medicinal benefits according to Ayurveda.
Sugar:
Sugar is a highly refined and processed derivative of sugar cane or sugar beets. It’s commonly found in beverages, fast foods, processed foods and baked goods. It’s sucrose (a type of carbohydrate) in its purest form as it is stripped of any nutrients during the refining processes. It has a neutral taste and can be used in a myriad of ways without masking the scent or color of a dish.
Mishri vs Sugar: A Nutritional Rundown
Mishri:
- Contains nutrients such as calcium, iron and magnesium in small amounts
- Has a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar levels instantly.
- Is a great energy source with fewer calories
Sugar:
- Contains no nutrients and it is the most processed of all sugarcane derivatives
- Has a high glycaemic index, making it harmful for people with diabetes as it can spike blood sugar levels
- Not a great energy source as it has no nutrient value and is calorie-dense
Mishri vs Sugar: Pros and Cons
Mishri:
As great of an alternative as mishri might sound, it is not really any superior to sugar. It does have more nutrients than sugar and fewer calories, but that’s about it. Like sugar, mishri also has a high glycemic index but not as high as sugar, meaning it will trigger blood sugar levels if not consumed wisely.
The only thing working in favour of Mishri is its history. Historically, mishri has been consumed in India in a myriad of ways. It has been used in religious practices to appease the gods; it has been used in delicacies to amplify sweetness; and it has been claimed to be an Ayurvedic medicine that can cure illnesses.
To this date, there are no concrete studies to prove the latter, and therefore, to pin Sugar as a villain in a battle against Mishri is to play with your life.
Sugar:
Sugar, on the other hand, does not mask itself behind any historical roots and is clear on what it has to offer. It has a high glycemic index, is not good for the body, and is extremely calorie-dense.
It is also one of the key players in inducing type-2 diabetes and causing notorious blood sugar spikes. Anyone who decides to consume sugar in unhealthy amounts should do it at their own risk.
Alternatives to Mishri and Sugar
There are a lot of great sugar and mishri alternatives that are easy on your GI tract and wouldn’t cause any adverse effects. Here are a handful:
- Stevia
- Coconut sugar
- Honey
- Erythritol
- Monk fruit sweetener
Conclusion
Though Indian society might want to champion the cause of mishri over sugar due to its Ayurvedic roots, it is important to know it is no better than its counterpart and therefore must be consumed appropriately. Overloading your system with mishri thinking it is good will only cause your body harm. However, nothing should deter you from eating a sweet treat once in a while. There’s nothing wrong with eating a jalebi or a gulab jamun on a special occasion. You just need to know when to stop so the sweet does not take over your health.
FAQ’s:-
1. What is Mishri?
Mishri, also known as rock sugar or “khadi sakhar” in India, is a crystallized form of sugar derived from sugarcane or palm sap. It is minimally processed and contains trace amounts of nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. Mishri is commonly used in religious practices, delicacies, and traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
2. What is the difference between Mishri and regular sugar?
Mishri is less processed and retains some nutrients, whereas sugar is highly refined and stripped of all nutrients during processing. Mishri has a slightly lower glycemic index compared to sugar, meaning it does not spike blood sugar levels as rapidly. However, both should be consumed in moderation due to their calorie content and glycemic properties.
3. Is Mishri healthier than sugar?
Mishri has marginally more nutrients and fewer calories than sugar, but the difference is not significant enough to label it as a superior alternative. Both mishri and sugar can raise blood sugar levels if consumed excessively.
4. Does Mishri have medicinal benefits?
According to Ayurveda, mishri is believed to have some medicinal benefits, but there is no strong scientific evidence to back these claims. Mishri is often used as a traditional remedy for sore throats and to boost energy
