Welcome to another one of our Ayurveda question-and-answer articles.
Today we will start with a few quick-fire questions and answers on what is Khand in Ayurveda.
So let’s get questioning!
What is Khand in Ayurveda?
Khand in Ayurveda is a specific type of sugar used worldwide but most commonly in India.
What is desi khand called in English?
Khand in English is called muscovado sugar. Not to be confused with Brown sugar!
How is Khand made?
Khand is made by evaporating sugarcane syrup without removing the molasses.
What is it used for?
- Desi khand is often used in Indian cooking, baking, and traditional medicines.
- It is used as a natural sweetener in place of refined sugar.
- Khand is also used in various Indian sweets and desserts.
- Ayurveda practitioners prescribe it in different forms and manners to their clients.
It is reported to have several health benefits.
So what are the benefits of khand?
- Desi khand is a good energy source and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium and magnesium.
- It can help boost the immune system.
- Desi khand has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Helps in digestion.
- Helps with teeth and bones as it has a high calcium content.
- Khand, a rich source of iron, is important in curing anaemia and remedying problematic blood levels.
How is it used in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, it is used as :
- As a blood purifier
- For lung health.
- Weight loss
- Diabetes
- Stamina
What ailments, illnesses, and conditions is Khand good for?
- To give energy an energy boost
- To help in weight loss
- Diabetes control
- Digestion problem
- Slow bowel movement
- Anaemia
What are the consistency and features of khand?
Khand is an unrefined sugar with a thick consistency and a dark brown colour.
How is Khand better than sugar?
- Muscovado, a far more nutritious sugar, is derived from sugar without chemical means. Consequently, all nutritional values are not lost during the refining process.
- At the same time, no chemical reactions are required to make it. Although it is less sweet than sugar, it is known for its high amounts of calcium and other vitamins, minerals, fibre, iron, and magnesium.
- Refined chemicals are used to prolong the shelf life of foods like sugar.
- Refined sugar is devoid of any nutritional value. It is added to most fast food items and drinks to enhance the taste.
- In refining regular sugar, sucrose is drained through molasses to prepare the transparent white sugar crystals for consumption. Some chemicals, such as sulfur, are added to the end product, which is harmful to humans. (1)
Is brown sugar and Khand the same?
No, Khand is a healthier and sweeter alternative to brown sugar and other refined sugars.
How do you use khand?
- Firstly, in the same way as sugar, food, baking etc.
- You can generally make all milk-based beverages and sugar-based desserts, i.e.:
- Sherbet
- Milkshakes
- Kheer
- Halwa,
- Ras malai,
- Lassi,
- Falooda
- Spread on toast
- Add to tea
- and all kinds of sweets.
What is Haridra khand in Ayurveda?
Ok, so Khand is a natural sugar whilst Haridra khand is an anti-allergic formula.
So don’t get the two mix up!
It is a natural, safe and effective way to treat allergies.
It is made from the root of the turmeric plant, has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is one of the most popular medicines used in this system of medicine.
What is Haridra Khand used for?
Haridra Khanda is an anti-allergic formula. It is effective on allergic skin ailments like Rashes, Itching, Urticaria, Boils and Allergic Rhinitis.
It’s also good for:
- Sneezing
- runny nose
- watery eyes and itching.
- Skin Disease
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
It also helps to prevent the development of new allergies.
Wrapping up our Q & A on what is Khand in Ayurveda
Desi Khardan has numerous health benefits, and if you’re looking for an alternative to refined sugar, desi khand is an excellent option.
Desi khand can help boost immunity and digestion, among many other positive health effects.
It’s available at most Indian grocery stores or online.
References:
(1) Is khand better than sugar for weight loss? (healthshots.com)
