As winter is approaching, shops staked with traditional sweets like til ladoo, chikki, gajak, revdi, Yumm Yumm!
These winter treats known by different names in different regions of our vast country, have common ingredients like til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery). It’s a potent and healthy mix.
Til ladoos or gajak have a strong religious and cultural connection in our society linked to winter harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri that are celebrated to thank God for good harvest. Eating til and gur during these festivals is considered auspicious.
Besides the religious association and the delectable taste, til and gur has immense health benefits. These winter comfort foods are much healthier than oily samosa and pakoras.

Health benefits of til and gur

According to Ayurveda, in winter season VATA is aggravted in the body which resulting in joint pain and sore muscles. Sweet, oily and heavy food control aggravated VATA, all the properties found in Til and Gur combination.
Consuming white sesame increases warmth in the body. Sesame seeds have medicinal properties which increases your immunity and general physical strength. Half cup of sesame seed contains approximately three times more calcium than half a cup of whole milk. As per Nutritionist , “Til and gur are also considered to be one of the richest sources of iron among the Indian vegetarian foods.”

Sesame seeds are also high in magnesium, manganese, vitamin B1, vitamin E, potassium, protein, fiber and dietary copper, at the same time gur is also rich in vitamins and minerals. “As they are a good source of dietary copper they help in providing relief in joint pain in winter, associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, says expert nutritionist.”

Sesame seeds contain sesamin and sesamolin substances that lower or prevent high blood pressure. It also helps in protecting your liver against oxidative damage.

Benefits of jaggery includes its ability to cleanse your body, act as a digestive agent, sweetens your food in healthy manner and provide minerals like zinc, selenium and antioxidants (prevent free radical damage-anti ageing) and boost resistance against infections.

Furthermore, gur is a healthier option to white sugar which contains empty calories.Scientifically, during winters one needs to consume food that generate heat in the body. Sesame seeds have oil in them that generates heat in the body.Even consuming jaggery during winters is considered good as it generates heat in the body. These items provide enough heat to the body needed during the winters.