A lot of people might not know it, but rock sugar (otherwise known as rock candy) has been used medicinally for hundreds of years — though it’s actually more often consumed as a sweet treat than as an actual cure. Regardless, there are numerous health benefits of rock sugar you may be interested in exploring if you haven’t already!
Here are 19 health benefits of rock sugar to consider when planning your next meal or snack.
WHAT IS ROCK SUGAR?
Rock sugar or mishri is an unrefined form of sugar which is used for food and medicinal purposes. It is made from sugarcane juice and palm tree sap.
Its production started in India only. After this, it gradually started to be used all over the world. It has less sweetness than sugar. You will find it in many forms and sizes. Rock sugar is rich in many nutrients, essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Many individuals use rock sugar instead of normal sugar in sweet dishes or milk. Rock sugar is the only thing that dissolves sweetness as soon as it enters the mouth. It has medicinal properties so much that it is used for special effects in many Ayurvedic medicines.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF ROCK SUGAR (MISHRI)?
Rock sugar has a wide range of benefits; including:
1. A natural antioxidant:
Rock sugar is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain.
Additionally, rock sugar can help boost your immune system and fight off infection. Plus, it’s a natural source of energy, so it can help you stay alert and focused throughout the day.
2. Helps relieve stress:
When you’re stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
Rock sugar has been shown to help reduce cortisol levels and relieve stress. That’s because it is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are good for muscle contraction.
It also helps with digestion and relieves constipation as well as indigestion. Studies have also found that rock sugar may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, prevent diabetes, reduce inflammation in the gut, improve immune function, treat colds and flu by strengthening the respiratory system and even ease chronic pain by increasing endorphins.
3. Prevents wrinkles and makes skin smooth:
Wrinkles are caused by a breakdown in the skin’s collagen and elastin, which leads to a loss of skin elasticity. Rock sugar (mishri) contains antioxidants that can help prevent this breakdown, keeping your skin looking young and smooth. It also helps increase circulation, improve blood flow, and promote lymphatic drainage.
4. Boosts energy:
Rock sugar is the unrefined form of sugar. For this reason, a good amount of sucrose found in sugar is also available in it. It works to give energy to the body immediately. After a meal, you start feeling lethargic; but consuming sugar candy will increase your energy levels.
Apart from this, taking rock sugar with fennel seeds is beneficial to prevent your mood from becoming dull. For this reason we can say that the consumption of rock sugar can prove to be a good way to get energy immediately.
5. Reduces heartburn:
Rock sugar has been shown to be effective in reducing heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux. One study showed that rock sugar was able to reduce the severity of heartburn and other symptoms in people with GERD.
Additionally, rock sugar has also been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of ulcers. In one study, it helped heal 94% of participants’ ulcers. In another study, a group of patients who were taking daily doses of rock sugar reported significant improvement in their condition compared to those who weren’t taking it.
6. Eases insomnia:
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, rock sugar can help ease insomnia. The sweetness of the sugar is thought to help release endorphins in the brain, which can promote relaxation and better sleep.
In addition, rock sugar is also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, which can further improve sleep quality. As an antioxidant, it may help protect cells from free radicals that cause inflammation, cancer, and other diseases.
It may also prevent cholesterol deposits on artery walls that lead to high blood pressure or strokes.
7. Helps with common cold and cough:
It is natural to cough when you have fever. In this case, rock sugar can be used. Mishri has medicinal properties that can relieve you from cough immediately. If you have a persistent cough, take some rock sugar and slowly chew it in your mouth. This will give you a lot of relief.
By sucking alum and sugar candy prepared with alum and sugar can relieve cold. You can make this special sugar candy at home. For this, you have to grind sugar and alum in equal quantity and prepare the solution with one cup of water.
Keep in mind that you have to keep dissolving the prepared powder of sugar and alum in the water until it stops dissolving in water. After this, you have to tie a thread with a pencil and add it to the mixture.
Later, cover the cup with the mixture and leave it for two to three days. At the end of the time, you will find crystals of sugar and alum on the thread hanging in the cup with the help of pencil.
Rock sugar has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to help treat the common cold and cough. The sweetness of the rock sugar helps break up mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel from the body. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of rock sugar can help to soothe a sore throat.
8. Rock sugar benefits for weight loss:
If you’re over-weight, then the use of rock sugar can be beneficial for you. It is said that by grinding the rock sugar with fennel, one teaspoon of the prepared powder can be used regularly to control the increasing weight.
If you wish, you can also use coriander powder instead of fennel to gain the benefits of rock sugar in reducing weight. Rock sugar is a type of unrefined sugar that’s said to have a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. This means that it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to weight gain.
Additionally, rock sugar contains chromium, a mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels. For these reasons, rock sugar may be a helpful tool for weight loss.
9. Improves mental clarity:
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, rock sugar is said to improve mental clarity and help clear away heat in the body. This means that it can help to calm an overactive mind and ease stress levels. In addition, rock sugar is believed to improve cognitive function and memory.
People who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are encouraged to eat rock sugar because it may help them regain their memory. Some people also believe that eating rock sugar may even help you live longer.
10. Get rid of bad breath:
We all know that sugar is bad for our teeth, but did you know that it can also be used to help fight bad breath? That’s right, rock sugar can actually help to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath!
If you do not brush or rinse after a meal, the bacteria inside your gums can cause bad breath. When you consume rock sugar after a meal, it will not smell in your mouth. It helps in filling freshness in mouth and breath.
Simply take a small piece of rock sugar and let it dissolve in your mouth. The antibacterial properties of the sugar will help fight the bacteria and freshen your breath.
11. Rock sugar for good digestion:
The use of rock sugar is also considered beneficial for improving the digestive process. There is also a description in Ayurveda that after eating rock sugar with fennel can improve digestion.
It has digestive properties, which can help digest food. For this reason we can say that this recipe can also help in improving digestion process.
12. Relieve sore throat:
Rock sugar has long been used as a natural remedy for sore throat. It is thought to work by coating the throat and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, rock sugar is a good source of antioxidants and can help boost the immune system. A recent study found that rock sugar was just as effective as honey in treating sore throats.
Mix some rock sugar with black pepper powder and purified butter and consume it at night. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, reach for some rock sugar!
13. In anemia:
The benefits of rock sugar can also be seen here. Rock sugar can prove to be very beneficial in relieving a serious problem like anemia. People who have low hemoglobin levels can suffer from anemia, pale skin, dizziness, fatigue and other problems associated with it.
It is said that the consumption of rock sugar improves hemoglobin levels. In addition, it also improves the process of blood circulation. At the same time, it is also used in many Ayurvedic medicines used in the treatment of anemia. For this reason, it can be assumed that the benefits of rock sugar include getting rid of anemia.
14. Provide relief in hemorrhage:
You will be surprised to know that it helps to stop bleeding (hemorrhage) from the nose, which is quite a common problem. Actually, sugar candy is cold and it cools the body and keeps away the effects of heat. The problem of bleeding from the nose is seen only during the summer days, which is due to increasing body temperature.
For this reason we can say that the consumption of rock sugar with water is a better option to get relief from this problem. Consuming pieces of sugar candy with water during this problem helps stop bleeding.
15. Rock sugar for brain health:
Did you know that rock sugar has surprising health benefits for your brain? That’s right — this sweetener can actually help improve cognitive function and memory.
Studies have shown that rock sugar can help increase blood flow to the brain, which in turn can improve cognitive function. Additionally, rock sugar can help improve memory by providing the brain with a needed energy boost.
For this, mix rock sugar in hot milk and consume it before going to bed. This will serve as a good natural remedy to improve your memory. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your brain power, reach for the rock sugar!
16. Rock sugar benefits during pregnancy:
As you have been told earlier in the article that consuming rock sugar with hot milk keeps mental health good. At the same time, stress is also relieved. On the other hand, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, it is common to have problems of anxiety, stress and depression.
For this reason we can say that a pregnant woman can get relief from these problems by taking rock sugar. However, there is no research available in this subject. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming it.
17. Rock sugar helps increase breast milk:
Tal Misri (a natural form of sugar absolutely free from chemicals and bleaches) is considered useful for lactating mothers. This is because it acts as a remedy for depression and helps increase breast milk. Being less sweet, sugar candy does not allow the weight to increase.
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, rock sugar can help increase breast milk production in nursing mothers.
The study found that rock sugar increased prolactin levels, which are responsible for milk production. Nursing mothers who took rock sugar saw a significant increase in milk production within two weeks.
18. Rock sugar for healthy eyes:
Did you know that rock sugar can help improve your vision? That’s right — this sweetener is full of Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. Not only can it help improve your eyesight, but rock sugar can also help prevent macular degeneration and other age-related vision problems.
It is reported that its regular intake in limited amounts not only improves eye sight, but can also show positive results in problems such as cataracts. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your eyes healthy, add some rock sugar to your diet!
19. Increase hemoglobin levels:
As mentioned earlier in the article, rock sugar is used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve the problem of anemia due to its special properties.
At the same time, the amount of hemoglobin in the problem of anemia decreases significantly. For this reason we can say that the consumption of rock sugar can be helpful in increasing the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
HOW TO USE ROCK SUGAR?
You can use rock sugar in the following ways:
- You can use rock sugar as a mouth freshener with fennel.
- You can take it with hot milk at night.
- You can use it for sweetness in any food item.
When to eat:
- It is considered beneficial to consume after eating.
How much to eat:
- 5 to 10 grams of sugar can be eaten in a day.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ROCK SUGAR:
Although rock sugar is generally safe, consuming too much can cause some side-effects. These include headaches, dizziness, and digestive issues like constipation and gas. Rock sugar is also high in fructose, which can cause problems for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels closely when consuming rock sugar.
If consumed excessively though (particularly if someone already has type-2 diabetes), rock sugar may lead to more serious health complications such as liver disease. Excess intake of anything can prove harmful. Something similar is also with rock sugar. Other side-effects of rock sugar are:
- Rock sugar has a cold effect, so take it as a medicine in cold. Excess intake of this can also have an adverse effect on the problem.
- If you are taking any medicine regularly, then to avoid the side-effects, you must consult a doctor.
Finally, there are no established daily dosage limits on rock sugar intake at this time.
TAKE AWAY:
Now you must have become familiar with the properties of rock sugar. Also, it must have been known what are the benefits of eating rock sugar and in which problems it will prove to be beneficial. Complete information about its balanced quantity and usage has also been given in the article. You can take advantage of its medicinal properties by adopting them.
In moderation, rock sugar has many health benefits. It can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, boost metabolism, relieve tooth pain, prevent aging and wrinkles, soothe coughs or sore throats, cure hiccups or indigestion (in adults), improve bone health, alleviate joint pain or arthritis discomfort (in adults), improve the functioning of the stomach lining (in adults), treat diarrhea (in children) and strengthen the immune system by boosting T-cells that fight infections.
In addition, because it contains iron, zinc and magnesium, it can contribute to maintaining a healthy diet as well as promoting physical growth and mental development in children. In such a situation, if you too are impressed by the miraculous properties of rock sugar and want to use it regularly, then read all the information given in the article thoroughly once. Only then apply the methods suggested in the article.