Makar Sankranti, the famous Indian festival is celebrated with different names all over India. In Uttar Pradesh, it is celebrated as Khichdi Festival, in Gujarat and Rajasthan as Kite Festival, in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra as Sankranti, in Tamil Nadu as Pongal, in Assam as Bhogali Bihu, and in Punjab as Lohri. Every Indian festival has a particular delicacy that is offered to God and eaten during that occasion, which is mostly according to the time and season when it is celebrated. Similarly, during the festival of Makar Sankranti, there is a tradition of making sweets like ‘ladoo’, ‘gajak’ and ‘chikki’ using sesame and jaggery. Therefore, since sesame and jaggery are so popular during this season, let us have a look at some of their benefits.
Nutrients in sesame
Sesame contains many nutrients such as protein, calcium, carbohydrates, copper, iron, magnesium etc. The nutrients found in it benefit the body in many ways, such as copper helps in the problem of arthritis and magnesium helps in maintaining proper blood circulation, blood sugar levels, and respiratory health. Calcium found in it too is very effective for migraine, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), osteoporosis, and colon cancer.
Nutrients in jaggery
Jaggery is said to be a treasure of several health benefits and is considered a superfood during winters because it provides natural heat to the body. It contains nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, and iron, which are highly beneficial for health.
Benefits of eating sesame and jaggery together
We all enjoy the sweets made out of jaggery and sesame on Sankranti, but did you know the scientific reason behind it? Experts say that the reason behind consuming sesame and jaggery on Makar Sankranti is that winter is at its peak in most places on this festival and our body requires more natural heat at this time. Therefore, sesame and jaggery both have a hot potency, and oil is found in abundance in sesame. The sesamin antioxidants present in sesame combine with jaggery to enhance its properties and provide natural heat to our body to keep us warm. This is the reason why sweets prepared with sesame and jaggery are eaten specifically on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Benefits of sesame and jaggery ‘Ladoo’ and ‘Gajak’
- Ladoo and other sweets made with sesame and jaggery are excellent for our lungs. Sesame also works to reduce the effect of toxins in the lungs.
- It provides an abundance of calcium, which is good for maintaining bone health.
- Sesame and jaggery laddoos are very beneficial for digestive health. It not only provides relief from acidity but also helps with the problem of constipation. Sesame seeds also help in increasing the appetite.
- Ladoo and Gajak made from sesame and jaggery provide a lot of energy to the body. Along with enhancing the blood circulation in the body, its consumption is also good for improving the quality of skin and hair.
Therefore, both sesame and jaggery have excellent health benefits, both individually as well as when combined together. Not only physical, but it also helps in maintaining mental health and is helpful in relieving stress and depression. It also energizes the body and eliminates weakness.
