Sesame seed laddus are a winter staple, and for good reason. In many Indian households, making tilkut and sesame-based sweets during the cold months is both a cherished tradition and a way to stay healthy. These laddus carry more than taste and nutrition — they represent the warmth and care passed down through generations. Since both jaggery and sesame seeds naturally generate heat in the body, they help keep you warm from within. They’re packed with calcium, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals, making them a powerful winter superfood.

Everyone in the family can enjoy one sesame laddu daily — from kids to elders. They help boost immunity, protect against coughs and colds, and provide sustained energy. If you crave something sweet during the day, homemade til laddus are much healthier than packaged sweets. Here’s how to prepare them at home.

Ingredients
Use one and a half times more sesame seeds than jaggery. For example, with 500 grams of jaggery, take about 700 grams of sesame seeds for perfectly shaped laddus. Nuts like peanuts or almonds can be added to increase both taste and nutrition. You will also need 7 to 8 green cardamoms and about two teaspoons of ghee.

How to make sesame jaggery laddus
• Clean the sesame seeds thoroughly to remove any tiny stones.
• Dry roast them on medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pan until aromatic and lightly golden.
• Cool and coarsely crush them, ensuring some seeds remain whole.
• Roast peanuts (if using) and crush them lightly. Chop any other nuts.
• Melt the jaggery with a teaspoon of ghee on low heat until smooth.
• Turn off the heat and immediately add sesame seeds, cardamom powder, and nuts. Mix well.
• Let the mixture cool slightly. Grease your hands with ghee and shape the laddus.
• If the mixture hardens, add a little warm ghee and continue shaping.
• Once cooled completely, store the laddus in an airtight glass container for up to two to three months.

As winter approaches, many foods make a comeback — garlic chutney, millet porridge, and comforting hot soups. Among warm winter drinks, milk coffee becomes especially popular. It tastes great and provides warmth, but many people believe that milk coffee worsens coughs, especially in children. Is this true?

Expert opinion
Dr. D.K. Gupta, Chairman and MD of Felix Hospital, explains that cough is a reflex triggered when the throat becomes sensitive due to allergies or infection. Contrary to popular belief, milk coffee does not worsen coughs. Many people assume milk increases phlegm, but experts confirm that this is just a myth. Milk coffee will only create trouble if someone is specifically allergic to milk or coffee.

Who should avoid coffee?
While coffee is rich in antioxidants and can improve alertness, energy, and even support weight loss, it is not suitable for everyone.

1. Those with stomach issues:
   Coffee can worsen acidity and irritate the stomach. For people already experiencing acidity, gas, or ulcers, milk coffee may worsen symptoms.

2. People with insomnia:
   Caffeine stimulates the brain and can disrupt sleep. Those with insomnia should avoid both milk coffee and black coffee, especially in the evening or at night.

3. Individuals with high blood pressure:
   Caffeine may increase blood pressure. People with hypertension or those on BP medication should drink coffee only after consulting a doctor.

4. Pregnant women:
   Coffee generates heat in the body, and excessive intake can increase the risk of complications, including miscarriage. Experts recommend limiting coffee during pregnancy for the baby's safety.