Sesame & Flax Seed Mukhwas/Snack

This mukhwas (digestive aid) is a calcium, magnesium & phosphorous rich mix, if had 2 tsp daily will really contribute to overall health of bones, hair, and heart amongst other benefits. It will also substantially contribute to daily requirements.

Due to lack of availability of a healhty digestive aid, if available just too expensive.. I thought let me just make my own mix. Also I am averse to taking tablets and prefer natural sources and dietary changes as a means of healing and precaution. My sister being a dietician & nutritionist, she supervises and guides most of my cooking. So this recipe is definitely a keeper!

Makes 300 gms. Preparation Time: 10 mins. Cooking Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

100 gms (½ cup) white sesame seeds

100 gms (½ cup) black sesame seeds

100 gms (½ cup) flax seeds

2-3 tbsp rock salt

1 tbsp salt

1-2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp turmeric powder (haldi) [opitonal]

½ cup water

Method:

1. Firstly clean all the seeds of dust or any other particles by sifting them. Leave them each in separate bowls.

2. In a small bowl, take water and mix in the lemon juice, rock salt and salt and leave aside. Let it sit for 5-7 mins or until the salts have dissolved. 

3. In these 3 bowls with seeds, equally distribute the liquid and mix well. Let this mixture sit for 6-7 hrs. 

By the end of which will look a little lumpy or wet. 

4. After 6-7 hrs, take a pan, SLOW ROAST each of them on LOW flame. This will take about 7-10 mins each. After roasting each of them, they will be dry and the seeds will be separated. White Sesame will get slightly darker in colour and flax seeds too will get darker. They should be crunchy. You can taste them and accordingly put of the heat if unsure. Though make sure not to over roast or under roast them.

5. Let each of them cool. Once cooled, mix in all and store in an air- tight container.

It can be consumed daily 1 tbsp each time after lunch and dinner. In addition to its health benefits, it aids digestion too. 

Make sure you chew it well or else it will be pointless consuming it!

PS: Please do not consume in excess as it has a laxative effect.


Nutritional Value & Benefits:

Sesame Seeds:

1. Rich source of minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorous, Iron &  Zinc amongst others. It also supplies Vitamin A, B along with others.
2. It is comprised of unsaturated fats which means it is good for the heart.
3. Helps reduce hypertension, high blood pressure, & type 2 diabetes.
4. Helps in combating against gingivitis & maintain healthy teeth & bones.
5. Women above the age of 40 pose the risk of osteoporosis, instead of taking calcium supplements, this is a natural substitute.
6. Helps in maintenance of healthy skin (anti ageing)& hair.
7. Antioxidant rich helps prevent Cancer & Stress relieving.
8. Being a laxative, obviously helps solve constipation problems.

Flax Seeds:

1. Rich source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids & lignins (type of anti-oxidant) which help in prevention of  heart diseases.
2. Like sesame they also greatly contribute in prevention of diabetes, high blood pressure, hyper tension, cancer. 
3. Besides, they help in obesity and asthma.
4. Excellent source of vitamin E, hence great for skin!
5.They help stabilise the hormone oestrogen in women, hence women with hormonal disorders, menstruation problems, menopause, depression etc. feel better with regular consumption. Pregnant women must consume under medical guidance.
6. Helps in lowering cholesterol crucial for a healthy heart!
7. This too helps in relieving constipation issues.