Makar Sankranti Foods & Their Health Benefits

Jan 13, 2025

Makar Sankranti is a gathering celebration which is one of the most conspicuous ones celebrated in India. The celebration marks the conclusion of chilly winters, and we welcome longer days with sufficient daylight — an incredible sign for the development of crops. No celebration in India is total without delicious food.

As the gourmand in you gets prepared to glut on Makar Sankranti special dishes — til laddu, Laai, Pongal, Makara Chaula, Kheer, etc., keep in mind that they don’t only satisfy your taste buds but add incredible wholesome nutrients. Let’s learn more about the health benefits of these nourishment foods and how they offer assistance to keep illnesses and contaminations at the cove.

Til laddu

Til laddu is a popular Makar Sankranti special dish made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery. The health benefits of this combination are numerous:
- Sesame Seeds: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, sesame seeds help in maintaining bone health and reducing inflammation.
- Jaggery: A natural sweetener loaded with iron, it aids in improving digestion and boosting immunity.
Incorporating til laddu into your diet not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides essential nutrients, making it one of the must-have Makar Sankranti foods.
Jaggery Kheer

Jaggery Kheer, a sweet pudding made with rice, milk, and jaggery, is a traditional dessert enjoyed during Makar Sankranti foods.
- Rice: A source of carbohydrates that provides energy.
- Milk: Contains calcium and vitamins that strengthen bones and teeth.
- Jaggery: Enhances the dish with iron and aids in digestion.
Jaggery Kheer is not just a dessert, but a nutritious option that brings the essence of the festival to your table.

Must Read: Jaggery for Diabetics: Yes or No?

Pongal

Pongal is a delicious South Indian dish prepared with rice, moong dal, and spices. It is not only a staple during Makar Sankranti special dishes but also offers several health benefits:
- Rice: Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Moong Dal: High in protein, it helps in muscle repair and growth.
- Spices: Ingredients like black pepper and cumin aid digestion and enhance flavour.
Pongal is a wholesome and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized.
Makara Chaula

Makara Chaula is a traditional Odia dish made with freshly harvested rice, banana, coconut, and sugarcane. As a Makar Sankranti food, it has significant cultural and nutritional value:
- Rice: A staple grain that provides essential energy and nutrients.
- Banana: Rich in potassium and vitamins, it supports heart health and digestion.
- Coconut: Contains healthy fats that boost metabolism and provide energy.
Makara Chaula is a perfect blend of taste and health, celebrating the harvest festival with nutritious ingredients.

Also Read: Fun Family Activities To Keep The Makar Sankranti Traditions Alive

Patishapta Pitha

Patishapta Pitha is a Bengali delicacy made from rice flour, milk, and coconut filling. It is a delightful addition to Makar Sankranti's special dishes:
- Rice Flour: Gluten-free and a good source of energy.
- Milk: Provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health.
- Coconut Filling: Adds flavour and provides healthy fats.
This sweet treat not only pleases the palate but also offers nutritional benefits.
Dahi Chura

Dahi Chura, a dish made from flattened rice (chura) and yoghurt (dahi), is a popular breakfast during Makar Sankranti:
- Flattened Rice: A light and easily digestible source of carbohydrates.
- Yoghurt: Rich in probiotics, it supports gut health and boosts immunity.
Dahi Chura is a refreshing and healthy dish that offers a perfect start to your day with its balanced nutrition.

Conclusion

Incorporating these Makar Sankranti special dishes into your diet not only brings cultural significance but also offers various health benefits. Just like how these foods contribute to your well-being, having a health insurance policy can safeguard your financial health. A Mediclaim policy with an adequate sum insured ensures that you are protected against unexpected medical expenses.

The health benefits of a balanced diet combined with a reliable health insurance plan provide a holistic approach to maintaining good health and financial security. Just as you enjoy these festive foods, consider securing your well-being with a comprehensive health insurance policy for a worry-free life. This comprehensive approach helps in celebrating traditions while ensuring a healthy and secure lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Recent Blogs

Health Insurance

6 Healthy Habits For Families

The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals. Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health. 6 Healthy Habits for Families Eating a healthy diet, together as a family The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food. Make meal prep a fun activity For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children. Have no-phone zones Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding. Be more active as a family Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices. Practice hand hygiene As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands. Do not skip medical tests The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses Why is family insurance a must? Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being. Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Health Insurance

10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause

Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.

Health Insurance

12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.

Health Insurance

20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.