Is this combination of gur, chana and sesame seeds the ‘healthiest superfood’?

In the realm of nutrition, certain food combinations are celebrated for their synergy, offering a blend of taste and health benefits. One such powerful trio gaining attention is the combination of gur (jaggery), chana (chickpeas), and sesame seeds. Claiming it to be the “healthiest superfood combo,” nutritionist Leema Mahajan took to Instagram to share a quick recipe mixing the three ingredients. But is this food combo really as healthy as being touted? We reached out to experts to investigate.

According to Dt. Priyanka Khandelwal, founder of Diet Planet, an online family nutrition clinic, “these three powerful ingredients make up traditional Indian winter sweets like ladoos, gajak, patti, and chikki.” “Gud, chana, and sesame seeds are a great snack or alternative for when you’re craving something sweet. It is a nutritionally balanced munchie,” she said.

The combination of gur, chana, and sesame seeds has a wide range of health benefits, said Shabana Parveen, a clinical nutritionist at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon.

1. Gur is a healthier option compared to sugar as it’s rich in iron, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. It helps in digestion and enhances energy levels.
2. Chana is high in protein, fibre, and necessary nutrients like folate and zinc, promoting muscle growth, stabilising blood sugar levels, and contributing to heart health.
3. Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, supporting bone health, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin and hair health.

“All of them together provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for those who want sustained energy, regulated blood sugar, and overall well-being,” advised Parveen.

However, the nutritionist mentioned that some people should avoid consuming them. “Gur has a high sugar content, and people who are diabetic or are trying to manage blood sugar levels need to watch out for their consumption of this natural sweetener. Chana is a legume and is likely to cause digestive discomfort to some people, especially those who have irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive problems. Sesame seeds, being high in oxalates, may lead to the formation of kidney stones in some people. Therefore, those who have a history of kidney stones must limit their consumption of sesame seeds,” Parveen cautioned.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐧 |Nutritionist (@leemamahajan) 

Apart from this, Dr Nafeesa Imteyaz, a clinical dietitian at Santaan Fertility Clinic and Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, advised the following precautions:

1. Control portion: For those who are aiming to manage weight, it is advisable to practice portion control to achieve better results.
2. Balanced diet: This combination should be a part of a balanced diet and should not be the sole source of nutrition.
3. Medical consultation: People with health conditions such as allergies or diabetes should consult with professionals before consuming this on a regular basis.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.