Today is Makar Sankranti. On this day Lord Sun enters Capricorn. This day is celebrated as a festival in India. It has different names in every state – Pongal, Khichdi, Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Uttarayan.
Its names are definitely different but the tradition of eating sesame and jaggery on this day is the same in all parts of the country. Peanuts are also eaten on this day. Sesame, jaggery and peanuts, all three things are superfoods. The things made from these are as delicious to eat as they are beneficial for health.
Sesame and peanuts contain nutrients like protein, vitamins and omega 6. Jaggery contains important minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium.
so 'medical certificate' I will talk about sesame, jaggery and peanuts eaten on Makar Sankranti. You will also learn that-
Tradition of eating sesame-jaggery laddus and peanuts
On the day of Makar Sankranti, people eat laddus made of sesame and jaggery. After this, in the evening everyone in the house lights a bonfire, sings songs and eat peanuts. All these things are very beneficial in winter.
Sesame, jaggery and peanuts are winter superfoods.
The nature of these three superfoods is hot. That is why they are also called superfood of winter. Their nutritional value makes them more special. Let us know the nutritional value and benefits of all things.
Nutritional value of jaggery
Jaggery contains sugar in the form of sucrose and fructose. Therefore, its taste is sweet and eating it gives instant energy. Jaggery contains vitamins A, C and E essential for the body. It also contains many essential minerals including iron. See the graphic:
10 big benefits of eating jaggery
Nutritional value of sesame
Sesame seeds contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium in abundance. It also contains Vitamin B6. How many minerals required by the body daily are obtained by eating sesame seeds, see in the graphic:
10 big benefits of eating sesame seeds
Nutritional value of peanuts
Peanuts contain many healthy nutrients including protein and fat. It also contains many essential vitamins and minerals. See the graphic:
10 big benefits of eating peanuts
Some common questions and their answers related to sesame, jaggery and peanuts
Question: Does the fat present in sesame and peanuts harm heart health?
answer: No, this does not happen at all. People are under the misconception that fat increases cholesterol, whereas in reality trans fat and saturated fat increase cholesterol. Healthy fat present in sesame and peanuts makes us healthy.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the healthy fat present in sesame and peanuts is helpful in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. This improves heart health.
Question: Does eating sesame and peanuts cause hair fall?
answer: No, this is not true. On the contrary, eating sesame and peanuts can prevent hair fall. Their consumption also helps in hair growth. Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids present in sesame improve the blood circulation of the scalp. This provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots.
Sesame and peanuts contain abundant amounts of copper, phosphorus, zinc, iron, vitamin B1 and magnesium. This keeps the scalp healthy and reduces hair fall.
Question: Can eating sesame seeds and peanuts cause any side effects?
answer: Yes, some people may be allergic to peanuts and sesame seeds.
Allergy to sesame can cause vomiting and breathing problems. This can cause constipation and pain in the appendix. Sesame seeds contain the psychoactive compound THC. This can be revealed when there is a drugs test. Therefore, most professional sports persons avoid eating sesame seeds.
Eating peanuts can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in some people. Sometimes it is even life threatening. This may cause skin rashes and swelling. Blood pressure may drop suddenly. This may cause stomach infection. There may be problems in breathing.
Question: Can diabetic people eat things made from sesame, jaggery and peanuts?
answer: Diabetic people can eat sesame and peanuts very comfortably. Its healthy fat is also helpful in controlling insulin spike and sugar levels.
However, they should not eat jaggery and things made from jaggery at all. In diabetes, it is advisable to eat low glycemic food, whereas jaggery is a high glycemic food. This may cause sugar spike.
Graphics Source: NavJivanIndia | VaskarAssets
