Why Ayurveda recommends having milk and jaggery before bed

Many people prefer a glass of milk at night for a restful sleep. Turns out, even Ayurveda recommends milk before bed, but with a hint of jaggery. “This Ayurvedic combo is a natural powerhouse for digestive health. Drinking this delicious nightcap can strengthen your digestive system, help cure anemia, and relieve gastric problems. It’s a simple way to take care of your gut and overall health,” a social media post read.

But is there any semblance of truth to this claim?

According to Ayurveda practitioner Dr Dimple Jangda, milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps release serotonin and melatonin hormones, which regulate sleep.

“Milk also provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The presence of vitamins like B12 and D in milk supports nerve function and bone health, respectively,” said Dr Jangda.

Jaggery also known as gur, is an unrefined sugar from sugarcane juice. It is a healthy alternative to refined sugar as it still retains the nutrition in the form of trace minerals and vitamins, said Dr Jangda. “Jaggery also stimulates the digestive fire and helps balance kapha dosha. Jaggery also helps in detoxifying the body of undigested foods and toxins that may be accumulated in the gut,” said Dr Jangda.

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Jaggery contains iron, which can help in preventing anemia, particularly in individuals with iron deficiency. “It also provides small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and other trace minerals, which support various bodily functions, including maintaining electrolyte balance and supporting metabolic processes. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery has a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood glucose levels, making it a slightly better alternative for managing energy levels,” said Dr Jangda.

 

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So, according to Dr Jangda, milk and jaggery help reduce dryness in the digestive system, excess heat, as well as excess cold. “It helps promote calmness and stability and is also an excellent remedy for sleep issues and insomnia,” said Dr Jangda.

The calcium in milk is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and jaggery enhances the absorption of calcium, further promoting bone health, said Dr Swetha Birali, dietician, Gleneagles AWARE Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad.

“However, it is important to consume this combination in moderation, especially for those with blood sugar concerns, as jaggery, despite being a natural sweetener, can impact blood sugar levels. Individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy should avoid this mixture and consider alternatives like almond or coconut milk,” said Dr Birali.

While consuming milk with jaggery occasionally, such as once every 15 days, might be fine, it is not recommended as a daily practice, stressed Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Zynova Shalby hospital, Mumbai. “From a scientific standpoint, combining milk and jaggery might not be ideal due to the potential interaction between calcium and iron. Milk is high in calcium, which can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron found in jaggery, thereby potentially reducing the nutritional benefits of jaggery when consumed together,” said Ansari.

In conclusion, while milk with jaggery might offer some digestive benefits, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Lifestyle modifications are a more dependable approach to improving digestive health.

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