By Sushmita Sengupta
We are days away from Makar Sankranti and scores of sweets would be prepared with sesame and jaggery, but why are these two ingredients so important for Indian winters?
Both sesame and jaggery are prized in Ayurveda for their healing properties. They warm you up, boost energy and alleviate winter-induced lethargy
Sesame is also a good source of fibre, lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It also helps reduce inflammation and aid blood cell formation.
Jaggery on the other hand is also an incredible substitute of sugar. Jaggery is good for heart, aids digestion, is good to manage anemia because of its high iron content. It also acts as a natural blood purifier.
Some of the desi winter delicacies you cannot miss this season is Til-Gud Ladoo and Revri (flat coin-like snacks), peanut-sesame and jaggery chikki.
Excess of anything can do more harm than good, so make sure you practice moderation when using both. Have happy winters.