Our Indian traditions and the dishes of our cuisines do not just have a cultural connotation, but also have a close relationship with health. One such example for it would be sesame seeds,
til as we call in many Indian languages.
The winter season also sees the start of harvest season in many parts of the country, which is often celebrated with sweets made out of sesame seeds.
Til ke laddoo and
gajak one of the more of the more popular sweets consumed during the winter season. But they’re not just celebrated for the harvest festival. Sesame seeds or
til are said to have a warming effect on the body and hence, may protect it from the chilly weather. Other than that, sesame seeds are a source of energy as well. The winter chill may make you feel fatigued more often and consuming sesame seeds in your meals may remedy that by giving the body a boost of energy.
But turns out, sesame seeds may have more than those benefits to offer. Apparently, they may help one regularise blood sugar level in the colder months as well. Due to this claim, sesame seeds are deemed to be a savior for type 2 diabetes patients.
A 2011 study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition showed that people who consumed sesame oil had the greatest reduction in blood sugar levels over a course of 60 days of observation. This is not surprising as sesame seeds boast a number of nutritional benefits like - rich in protein and fibre and magnesium.
Diabetes patients usually have a deficiency of magnesium in their body as higher blood glucose levels lead to frequent urination and the mineral is often passed out from the body in urine. This deficiency leads to problems during the winter as it may prevent proper blood circulation. Apart from its beneficial nutritional value, sesame seeds also contain good amounts of poly and monounsaturated fats. The former has been linked with a slower progression of Type 2 diabetes in patients. This is why sesame seeds make for ideal diabetic-friendly snacks during winters.
Add roasted sesame seeds to your salads and vegetarian or meat preparations or simply munch on them between meals to keep your blood sugar levels under check.