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Sesame seeds provide health benefits like regulating blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol. Til ladoo, til chikki, millet ladoo, til panjiri, and our laddu bars are some delicious ways to add sesame seeds to your diet.
Sesame Seeds: Healthier Bites, Timeless Flavour
It's New Year again, and Makar Sankranti is around the corner. This much-loved festival marks the beginning of the sun's movement from south to north or uttarayan, in other words, the transition from the zodiac of Sagittarius (dhanu) to Capricorn (makara), symbolizing a new beginning. One of the most important parts of the Makar Sankranti celebration is exchanging delicious treats, especially til/sesame ladoos. In fact,
sesame seeds are not only culturally significant but also famous for their health benefits.
What are the Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds?
1. An All - Purpose Nutrient Bank
It also provides Iron and calcium, two minerals crucial for overall well-being and growth.
Another dominating element in the nutritional profile of sesame seeds is vitamin E, which possesses antioxidant properties and prevents many diseases.
The vitamin B compounds present in sesame seeds facilitate metabolism and are necessary for the proper functioning of cells.
2. Crack the Crunch, Ease the Blood Pressure
Sesame seeds are known to decrease blood pressure and increase vitamin E levels. They are antihypertensive and hence may reduce cardiovascular risks.
3. Cholesterol Control in a Sprinkle
The
studies show that Sesame seeds contain compounds called lignans, which help in the reduction of cholesterol.
Thus the consumption of sesame seeds may reduce total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The low-density lipoprotein is the ‘bad cholesterol’ which leads to numerous heart ailments and stroke.
4. A Flavorful Ally in Managing Blood Sugar
Diabetes causes the death of about 1.9 billion people annually, and the leading cause of this lifestyle disease is an unhealthy diet.
The research papers published indicate that sesame consumption would decrease glycemic indices, especially in diabetic patients. Along with these benefits the sesame seeds are also known to promote bone health and aid digestion.
So far, we have discussed the health benefits; now, let's discuss some healthy and tasty ways to add sesame to your diet.
How to Add Sesame Seeds to Your Diet?
Here are some delicious ways to add sesame seeds to your diet.
1. Til Laddo
Til ke Ladoo, or sesame, is a delicious snack associated with traditional rituals and festivals like Makar Sankranti. It is prepared using Sesame seeds (til), jaggery or sugar, and ghee. Some people prefer to add dry fruits as well.
2. Til chikki
The til chikki is a sweet recipe made up of sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, puffed rice, cashew nuts and jaggery. In fact, this recipe goes back to Vedic times.
3. Millet Ladoo
Millet ladoo is a delicious treat. It is a healthy mix of sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, dates and wholesome millets: ragi (Finger millet) and bajra (pearl millet).
4. Til Panjiri
It is prepared by using sesame seeds, whole wheat flour(atta), gram Flour (besan), semolina, jaggery sugar (or as desired), ghee, raisins and nuts. It is made especially during festive occasions.
Some Interesting Facts about Sesame Seeds
From the
Indus Valley Civilization to the present day, sesame has an unbroken record of being a staple condiment in Indian cuisine. They are believed to have originated from Lord Vishnu and are blessed by Yama, the god of death, symbolizing immortality. Even in the Mahabharata, the gifting of sesame seeds is considered superior.
This revered ingredient is obtained from the herb Sesamum indicum.
Sesame Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse from Grandma’s Kitchen
In this article, we discussed the health benefits and recipes made using sesame seeds. This amazing nutrition package is a must-add to your diet.
If you are looking for delicious recipes from grandma's kitchen brimming with the goodness of healthy ingredients explore our laddu bars!
