A critical appraisal of Ikshu Vikar: Relevance in Diet and Ayurvedic Treatment
1Shreyasee Paul and 2Ashwini K. Patil
1,2Department of Samhita Siddhant & Sanskrit, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Vadodara - 391760 (India)
ABSTRACT
Contemporary nutritional discourse often reduces sweeteners to a simplistic binary—either entirely harmful or inherently natural and safe. This has led to the misconception that all sugars have uniformly negative health effects, fostering a generalized avoidance without evaluating their source, processing, or therapeutic value. Ayurveda, however, presents a more nuanced understanding of Ikshu (sugarcane) and its derivatives (Ikshu Vikaras), emphasizing their distinct physiological properties. For example, jaggery is described as guru (heavy) and ushna (heating), whereas refined sugar is considered sheeta (cooling) and laghu (light), influencing their effects on doshas differently. In the context of rising metabolic disorders linked to excessive refined sugar intake, revisiting these traditional insights becomes essential. Modern research supports some Ayurvedic claims, noting that unrefined sweeteners contain trace minerals and antioxidants and may exhibit lower inflammatory potential. This integrated perspective promotes a mindful, individualized approach to sweetener consumption, bridging classical Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary nutritional science.