While organic sugar has gained popularity in recent years, its availability may vary depending on the location. Some users find it challenging to find organic sugar in their local stores, which can affect their purchasing decisions. According to the ‘Global Market Report: Sugar’, the demand for sustainably produced sugar is still new and overall has not been matched by consumer willingness to pay higher prices. The retail price range in Indian Rupee for sugar is between Rs 71.25 and Rs 87.82 per kilogram while organic sugar is only slightly more expensive than this. The demand for organic sugar is higher in bigger cities according to some vendors. In smaller cities people are not aware of the benefits of organic sugar over regular sugar which led to many shops no longer selling organic sugar because of its less demand.
So is organic sugar really worth spending the extra money? Dr. R.Ravindranath, a medical consultant at diabetes & heart care clinic, Chennai, with 45 years of experience suggests to his patients that all sugars that are glucose must be avoided or consumed in control. It does not matter whether you are taking regular sugar or organic sugar.
While many prefer replacing white sugar with Jaggery, they are not aware of its effects on the body. Jaggery, when consumed, is absorbed more slowly by the body, resulting in a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. Jaggery should be consumed in moderation, as it still contains sugar and can affect glucose levels similar to white sugar. In a report, Dr. V. Mohan, an internationally acclaimed Diabetologist, concluded that jaggery does convert in glucose ultimately so it must be avoided especially by people with diseases such as diabetes.
Dr. Ajay Chhabra, a famous Diabetologist from Ranchi, has an experience of 23 years in this field. According to him organic sugar is better than regular sugar while for non-diabetics jaggery is a better option than white sugar. He says, ‘For non-diabetics sugar consumption should be minimum for the benefit of good health and for diabetic patients should be avoided at all costs’. Dr. Bimal Chajjer (MBBS, MD), a well-known heart-care and lifestyle expert, suggests that replacing sugar with jaggery in the diet does not help much. Jaggery is only slightly better than white sugar but can’t be accepted as a healthier option.
Is getting rid of sugar completely an option? Many experienced doctors suggest that while completely removing sugar from our diet may not be necessary or realistic, reducing excessive sugar intake can significantly benefit our health. By adopting a balanced approach and being mindful of our food choices, we can decrease the risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and improve overall well-being. The concern is more about moderation, informed choices, and prioritising nutrient-dense foods to achieve a healthier lifestyle.