Air Pollution and AQI Levels: Jaggery Recipes for Lung Health

Air pollution and AQI levels in Delhi have reached hazardous levels, with readings exceeding 450. While we prioritize the purification of air in our homes by utilizing the best available air purifiers, it may also be crucial to prepare our bodies to combat the pollution. If you’re wondering how to do this, one option is to incorporate jaggery recipes into your diet.

Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap, and it offers various health benefits, particularly for lung health. By consuming jaggery, you can enhance your lung function and potentially protect yourself from the harmful effects of high AQI levels. Here are six delicious ways to incorporate jaggery into your diet and promote lung health:

1. Jaggery Tea: Replace your regular tea or coffee with jaggery tea. Simply dissolve a small piece of jaggery in hot water and enjoy this sweet and refreshing beverage.
2. Jaggery Smoothie: Blend ripe fruits like bananas, mangoes, and strawberries with a teaspoon of jaggery for a healthy and flavorsome smoothie.
3. Jaggery Desserts: Indulge in guilt-free desserts by using jaggery instead of refined sugar. You can make jaggery-based desserts like payasam (Indian style pudding), jaggery rice, or jaggery-infused cakes.
4. Jaggery with Nuts: Munch on a combination of jaggery and nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts. This makes for a nutritious and energy-boosting snack while supporting lung health.
5. Jaggery Granola Bars: Create your own granola bars using jaggery as a natural sweetener. Combine rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and jaggery syrup, then bake until they form into delicious bars.
6. Jaggery and Lemon Water: Start your day by squeezing some lemon juice into warm water and adding a small piece of jaggery. This detoxifying drink can help flush toxins from your body and strengthen your lungs.

Incorporating jaggery recipes into your diet can be a delightful way to boost your lung health and combat the adverse effects of air pollution. However, it’s important to remember that these recipes should not replace other recommended preventive measures, such as wearing masks and minimizing exposure to polluted air.

Continue reading: Jaggery recipes for lung health: 6 delicious ways to beat high AQI levels.