What is Aliv and why is it a must-have in your winter diet

Aliv Seeds or Haleem Seeds might be a lesser-known seed variant but they can benefit you in a number of ways. Also called Garden Cress Seeds, these tiny seeds are brown in colour and are power-packed with nutritional goodness.

Aliv seeds are regarded as a superfood because of their dense protein content. Aliv seeds are quite beneficial for fitness enthusiasts who wish to build muscle mass. Consuming Aliv seeds provide a feeling of satiety by controlling the hunger hormone ‘ghrelin’ which further ensures that you do not overeat. Read on to know more about Aliv seeds and the take of a popular nutritionist on Aliv seeds. (image credits- istock)

Popular celebrity nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar recently posted a picture of Aliv Ladoos on her Instagram page, calling them ‘the secret beauty pill’. She also listed down who all must consume Aliv to gain maximum benefits from it. According to Rujuta Diwekar-

• Aliv seeds are a must for every pre-pubescent boy and girl so that they don’t fall short of iron and make a smooth transition to puberty with robust haemoglobin levels.
• Aliv seeds should also be consumed by every teenager, as the folate will control the amount of breakouts and pimples on the skin.
• They are a must-have for every couple who are planning to conceive as the seeds help in improving fertility.
• Women experiencing pre or post-menopausal symptoms too must consume Aliv as a compound called Sulforaphane in the seeds helps prevent and clear pigmentation on the skin.

• Aliv seeds are rich in fibre and can treat stomach related issues like constipation, bloating and indigestion.
• Do you know that just 1 tablespoon of Aliv offers a whopping 12 mg of iron? If you are suffering from chronic anaemia or have low haemoglobin levels, then Aliv seeds are a must-have for you.
• New moms too must include Aliv in their winter diet. Haleem seeds contain galactagogue that can improve the production of breast milk in lactating women.
• Asthma patients usually have a tough time during winters as smog and dense air makes it difficult to breathe. Consuming Aliv seeds can enhance lung induction and provide the much-needed relief to asthma patients.

During winters Aliv can be used to make laddoos by mixing them with dry fruits and flour mixture. You can add jaggery to sweeten the laddoos to make them healthier. These laddoos will not only give you energy but will also keep you warm during winters.

You can also roast the Aliv seeds lightly with some salt and store them in an airtight container. Just sprinkle them on soups, salads or enjoy the roasted Aliv seeds as a snack.

Another way to consume Aliv seeds is by soaking them in water. Soak 1 tbsp Aliv seeds in a glass of water overnight. The next morning, warm the water a bit, add a few drops of lemon, give a mix and drink warm. (adding lemon juice ensures that your body maximum iron from the Aliv seeds)

Aliv seeds are warm in nature and must be consumed in limited proportions. You can have 1 tbsp aliv seeds 2-3 times a week. Avoid eating Aliv seeds every day or consult a dietician to know about the right dosage for your body.

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