Does Rock Candy or Khadisakhar Have Any Health Benefits?

You must have heard how bad refined sugar is for your health. Then, why don’t you substitute refined sugar with Khadi Sakhar? 

In most Indian households, Khadi Sakhar has been used extensively in place of refined sugar for generations. Also known as Mishri or rock candy, Khadi Sakhar is a crystallized and unrefined form of sugar that offers many benefits to the body. Ayurveda says that Khadi Sakhar is Susheela (coolant) and Shukra Karini (aphrodisiac) and helps to nourish all the Dhatus or tissues in the body.

Let’s find out more rock candy benefits in this article and start incorporating it into our daily lives.

Other name of rock candy in different languages

Here are the various names of rocky candy in different languages.

1. Hindi: Mishri
2. Sanskrit: Khanda sharkara, sharkara, sita
3. Kannada: Kallu sakkare

Nutritional value of rock candy

Here’s the nutritional value of 7oz (200g) of rock candy.

Name	Amount
Sugars	23.5g
Energy	94 kcal
Carbohydrate	23.5g

Rock Sugar or Mishri Benefits

1. Pacifies Vata and Pitta Dosha

According to Ayurveda, Khadi Sakhar or Mishri can help to pacify the aggravated Vata and Pitta Dosha in the body. However, it may slightly increase Kapha in the body.Mishri’s inherent sweet taste and grounding properties help to balance the erratic nature of Vata dosha, calming nervousness and anxiety. Its cooling nature soothes the fiery Pitta dosha, alleviating symptoms of inflammation, acidity, and irritation in the body.

2. Treats Cold and Cough:

The medicinal and healing properties of Khadi Sakhar are highly beneficial in relieving cold, cough, and sore throat. Dissolving Mishri in warm water or milk can provide relief from a sore throat by soothing irritation and reducing inflammation. Its natural expectorant properties help to expel excess mucus from the respiratory tract, easing congestion and promoting easier breathing. Mix Mishri with ginger juice and consume it for enhanced effectiveness against cold and cough.  

3. Boosts Energy Levels:

Mishri, or rock candy, is one of the best sources of energy. It helps to ease mental fatigue, improve memory, and boost the energy levels in your body.  The glucose in Mishri gets rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing an instant energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars. Consuming Mishri can alleviate mental fatigue, sharpening focus and cognitive function. Combine Mishri with almonds or raisins for a nutritious energy-boosting snack.

4. Improves Digestion:

Rock candy benefits are many. Rock candy or Khadi Sakhar is rich in digestive properties and helps to start digestion immediately. Therefore, it is often recommended to have Mishri as an after-meal dessert. Mishri stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, facilitating smoother digestion and reducing symptoms of bloating and discomfort. Chew on a small piece of Mishri after meals or dissolve it in warm water as a digestive tonic.

5. Boosts Haemoglobin Levels:

Low levels of hemoglobin may cause problems such as anemia, fatigue, dizziness, etc. Khadi Sakhar helps improve hemoglobin levels in the body and boosts blood circulation.Improved hemoglobin levels enhance blood circulation, ensuring oxygen reaches all parts of the body efficiently. Mix Mishri powder with amla (Indian gooseberry) powder for a hemoglobin-boosting tonic.

6. Aids in Hypoglycemia:

Ayurveda recommends using Mishri or rock candy in the condition of hypoglycemia, as it helps to replenish the levels of blood sugar in the body very quickly.Consuming Mishri during hypoglycemia prevents sudden drops in blood sugar, providing a steady source of energy. Dissolve Mishri in a glass of milk or consume it with a piece of fruit to counteract hypoglycemia effectively.  

7. Relieves Vomiting:

Ayurveda also mentions the use of Khadi Sakhar in severe vomiting or Chardi. It is highly effective in alleviating nausea.  Mishri’s sweet taste and calming effect on the stomach make it effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. Dissolving Mishri in water and sipping it slowly can help in rehydrating the body and settling the stomach during bouts of vomiting.

8. Treats Fever:

Khadi Sakhar is a natural coolant. It helps to bring down the body temperature and also aids in keeping the body energized during fever.  Consuming Mishri-infused beverages ensures adequate hydration, which is crucial for managing fever and preventing dehydration. Prepare Mishri-infused herbal teas like mint or holy basil (tulsi) tea to bring down fever while staying hydrated.

Other Benefits of Khadi Sakhar or Mishri

Ayurveda has also mentioned many other therapeutic uses and rock candy benefits. It is known to improve eye health, cure skin disorders, treat ulcers, relieve hiccups, and alleviate bleeding disorders. It is also a natural detoxifier that helps to remove harmful toxins from the body. 

How To Use Khadi Sakhar or Mishri?

• You can keep a small piece of Khadi Sakhar in your mouth and slowly sip in the juice. This is known to be the best way of using rock candy.
• You can also eat Mishri with fennel seeds after meals to improve digestion. 
• Instead of using refined sugar, you can use Khadi Sakhar or rock candy while cooking or baking. 
• You may also make a refreshing summer drink with Khadi Sakhar. For this, mix a teaspoon of Mishri powder into a glass of water. 

Mishri V/S Sugar

The myth we are all guilty of believing is that sugar in any form is bad for health. Well, this is not true, if taken in moderation sugar candy or mishri can prove beneficial for our health. Ayurveda also supports the fact that mishri or sugar candy promotes better immunity thus making our bodies stronger to fight infections. 

According to Ayurveda, sugar candy or mishri is largely unrefined and made out of sugarcane or palm sap, which has plenty of health benefits and immense nutritive value. 

Hence, Mishri is always a better option than refined processed sugar.

How Is Mishri Made?

Sugarcane syrup and palmyra palm tree sap are combined to make mishri or sugar candies. It is prepared by adding the sugarcane solution to drums that have previously been filled with threads and then allowing the solution to dry around the threads. This concentrated solution of sugar is then left to cool and crystallise into small, irregularly shaped crystals. 

How To Prepare Mishri Powder At Home?

Mishri Powder is easier to use as compared to crystals of mishri or sugar candy. 

To break the huge chunks of mishri into smaller pieces, place them one at a time in a mortar and pound them with a pestle. Transfer the smaller pieces to a plate, pull away the threads, and discard them.

Fill a grinder jar about 3/4 of the way with the mishri pieces. Grind on pulse mode for a few seconds each time. Give 3-4 pulses to grind the pieces into a powder.  Pour the powder into a container or bottle for storage. 

Side effects of rock sugar

While it is generally safe when consumed in moderation, here are some potential side effects associated with its use.

1. Concerns with dental health

Rock candy is essentially pure sugar, and excessive consumption can contribute to dental issues like cavities and tooth decay. The crystalline structure of rock candy can stick to teeth, which can provide a substrate for bacteria to thrive.

2. Issues with caloric intake and weight gain

Like any sugar-based product, rock candy is calorie-dense. Excessive consumption can contribute to an increase in calorie intake. It can potentially lead to weight gain if not balanced with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

3. Spikes in blood sugar

Rock candy is a high-glycemic food, meaning it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. It can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those who need to manage blood sugar levels.

4. Issues with digestive discomfort

Excessive consumption of rock candy may lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating and gas. It is particularly true if large quantities are consumed in a short period.

Precautions

When consuming rock sugar or Mishri, it’s essential to exercise caution regarding dosage:

1. Moderation: Despite its health benefits, excessive consumption of rock sugar can lead to an imbalance in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain.

2. Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes should monitor their intake carefully, as rock sugar can spike blood glucose levels.

3. Dental Health: High consumption of sugary foods like rock sugar can increase the risk of dental caries and tooth decay.

4. Weight Management: Due to its calorie content, those watching their weight should be mindful of portion sizes.

FAQs

The Takeaway

Khadi Sakhar is a natural coolant that helps to improve digestion. It also helps to relieve cold, cough, vomiting, etc. Ayurveda uses Mishri or Khadi Sakhar to make many medicines and formulations. 

Disclaimer:

This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References:

1. Development of herbal candy using ginger essential oil. March 2019
2. Management of Fever in Children based on Persian Medicine. December, 2019
3. The Role of Diet in the Management of Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia. January, 2015