Happy Lohri to everyone celebrating. Lohri is the festival of celebrating the crops harvesting. We ask the God of fire for the blessings and it marks the start of festivities of the New Year. But Lohri also marks the start of eating unhealthy food which become a problem later on. Hence let’s look at some of the traditional Lohri food which can lead to a happy gut and a healthy life.
Healthy food items for a Happy Gut
Popcorn
It is probably the first thing that come in your mind when you hear the word Lohri. Popcorn have the crown of being one of the healthiest snacks. Popcorns are a whole grain food which lead to a happy gut. Some of the benefits of choosing popcorns over other snacks are such as-
- It is full of polyphenol antioxidants which improve the blood circulation and strengthen the digestion system which means a happy gut.
- Popcorn is extremely rich in fiber which decreases the risk of heart diseases. It also aids in the weight loss and digestive functioning leading to a happy gut.
- It helps in dealing with constipation.
- The antioxidants present in the popcorn is helpful in dealing with the damage caused due to oxidative stress.
- Popcorn has tryptophan the amino acid which elevates the production of serotonin which is linked to a happy mood.
- Popcorn has carbohydrates in them which do not have the same effect as of sugars so, it is effective in diabetes.
- The popcorn is rich in nutrients like thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese.
Peanuts
Peanuts are one of the most essential item of Lohri. Lohri without peanuts is not Lohri at all. The peanuts have a plethora of nutrients which help in making a happy gut and improving the complete well-being of the person. The benefits peanuts contain are such as –
- Peanuts are full of fats which are mostly mono and polyunsaturated fats such as oleic and linoleic acids.
- Arachin and conarchin are the proteins that are present and they comprise of 20-30% of the total calories.
- Peanuts contain carbs which are only 13-16% of the total weight hence making it low in carbs.
- Vitamins present in the peanuts are the following –
- Biotin – also called as the Vitamin B7 and it is extremely good for the hair skin and nails.
- Copper – it is needed in trace quantities and they help in forming red blood cells to keep the immune system healthy. Copper aids in the collagen production which is good for hair and skin.
- Niacin – also called as Vitamin B3 and it helps in improving the fat levels in the blood. Niacin is also involved in improving the skin health and boosting the brain function.
- Folate – also called as the Vitamin B9 and it helps in the repair of DNA and making the cells grow. And the deficiency of folate helps in the decrease of anemia as it helps in the maturing of the red blood cells.
- Manganese – it is an antioxidant which helps in reducing the inflammation and regulation of blood sugars. Manganese is the trace elements which also improves the bone health.
- Vitamin E – it is an antioxidant and hence it reduces the oxidative stress. Hence, it is really good for the skin and it decreases the risk of heart diseases.
- Thiamine – also called as the Vitamin B1 and it converts the carbs into energy
- Phosphorous – leads to a happy gut and makes the muscles and bones strong. Phosphorous helps in the functioning of the kidneys and hence, removing the waste.
- Magnesium – helps in lowering of the blood pressure and showing anti-inflammatory effects.
Sesame
Sesame seeds are one of the main ingredients of ladoos made during Lohri. These seeds are a part of almost every important Lohri delicacy and the benefits it presents are unavoidable. Some of the major benefits of sesame are such as –
- Sesame contains fibers which is so beneficial for the digestive health which ultimately leads to happy gut.
- The seeds also lower the cholesterol and triglycerides. The sesame seeds have 39% monounsaturated fats, 41% polyunsaturated fats, 15% saturated fats. They also have lignans and phytosterols which lowers the cholesterol.
- Sesame seeds are also rich in magnesium which lowers the blood pressure.
- The seeds contain thiamine, niacin and vitamin B6 which improve the metabolism and also shows positive results. Sesame also contains selenium, copper, iron and zinc which are responsible for a happy gut and healthy body.
Jaggery based foods
Jaggery can be the healthy substitute to sugar in the ladoos and other sweets made for Lohri. It contains more nutrient content than sugar. Hence, some of the benefits of jaggery over sugar are –
- Jaggery is taken after meal as it aids in digestion leading to a happy gut as it improves the bowel movements.
- Jaggery contains zinc and vitamin C which improves the immune function.
- It is rich in antioxidants as it helps in dealing with the free radicals.
- Jaggery is rich in iron which helps in the treatment of anemia.
Water
Yes! Water! I know it looks quite odd in the list of Lohri special food but water is one of the most important item in the world. Dehydration can severely impact the physical activities and impair the mood levels.
- Drinking enough water is good for digestion and also it helps in relieving the constipation leading to a happy gut.
- Water helps in flushing the bacteria and also removing kidney stones.
- Drinking ample amount of water helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance.
- Water helps in protecting the organs and tissues and also transporting the nutrients and oxygen to other cells.
- Water is also involved in lubrication of the joints and majorly regulating the body temperature.
Probiotics
Festival time means overeating which will cause issues later. Hence, taking probiotic supplements is the way to go this Lohri. Arechar Nutra presents Pre & Probiotics Gummies which contains probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans. This probiotic improves the gut flora, improves the gut health and hence leading to happy gut. Probiotic also improves the bowel movements and reduces the risk of digestive and urinary tract infections.
The gummies also contain the chicory extract which is the prebiotic and it is the fiber which strengthens the gut movements responsible for happy gut. Apple cider vinegar of the gummies helps in the management of the weight and algal DHA is good for eye, and brain health. Zinc, antioxidants like cranberry extract and magnesium re also present in available in generous quantities aiding in the gut, mental and vaginal health.
Bottom Line
Lohri starts the harvest season and I hope this Lohri all the dreams that harvest come true. It is the start of the festivals and the start of various delicacies. Popcorn and peanuts are the flag bearer of Lohri full of healthy nutrients. Sesame and jaggery are the healthy substituents and by choosing them you are automatically opting for a happy gut and in turn a happy life.
