Does Rock Candy or Khadi Sakhar Have Any Health Benefits?

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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 benefits of Khadi Sakhar 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.

NameAmount
Sugars23.5g
Energy94 kcal
Carbohydrate23.5g

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.

2. Treats Cold and Cough:

The medicinal and healing properties of Khadi Sakhar are highly beneficial in relieving cold, cough, and sore throat. It also helps to remove excess mucus and prevent many respiratory disorders.  

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.

4. Improves Digestion:

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. 

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. 

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.   

7. Relieves Vomiting:

Ayurveda also mentions the use of Khadi Sakhar in severe vomiting or Chardi. It is highly effective in alleviating nausea. 

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. 

Other Benefits of Khadi Sakhar or Mishri

Ayurveda has also mentioned many other therapeutic uses and benefits of Khadi Sakhar. 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

Khadi Sakhar can increase blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, people with diabetes should avoid taking rock candy.

FAQs

1. Is Khadi Sakhar good for health?

Khadi Sakhar, or rock candy, can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It is a natural sweetener and may offer some nutritional benefits. However, like any sugar, excessive intake can contribute to health issues like dental problems and blood sugar spikes.

2. What are the benefits of rock candy?

Rock candy has some potential benefits. It is a source of simple carbohydrates, providing a quick energy boost. Some people use it to soothe sore throats or alleviate coughs. Additionally, it can be a natural sweetener without additives.

3. Can we eat rock sugar daily?

While it’s technically possible to eat rock sugar daily, it’s advisable to do so in moderation. Daily consumption of excessive sugar, even in the form of rock sugar, can contribute to health issues. It’s important to consider overall dietary sugar intake and prioritize a balanced diet.

4. Is rock candy good for diabetes?

Individuals with diabetes should consume rock candy cautiously. Rock candy is a high-glycemic food, meaning it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. It’s advisable for those with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and limit their intake of high-glycemic foods, including rock candy.

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:

The information provided here is not intended to replace professional advice or treatment.

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Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma

Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma is an adept medical professional with an M.D in Ayurveda from Gujrat Ayurveda University where he was the university topper of his batch. In his B.A.M.S years in the renowned Devi Ahilya University, Indore, Dr Sharma was awarded two gold medals for his academics.

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