With winter just around the corner, children often fall prey to coughs and colds. Since the Covid era, low immunity has become a common concern, prompting many to turn to supplements for support. However, winter in India is also known as the season of wholesome eating, when traditional foods not only nourish the body but also strengthen it. Among these, desi laddus made from ghee, grains, and dry fruits are especially popular for their natural immunity-boosting properties. While most people make laddus from wheat or gram flour, few know that they can also be prepared using nutritious seeds such as flaxseed, sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds.

Flaxseeds, in particular, are a powerhouse of nutrients that naturally strengthen the immune system. They are rich in calories, protein, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins B1 and B6. In fact, 100 grams of flaxseeds contain about 4.3 mg of zinc, which plays a key role in boosting immunity, and around 530–550 calories that provide long-lasting energy. With 810 mg of potassium, flaxseeds also help regulate blood pressure, while 27 grams of fiber aid digestion and prevent constipation.

How to Prepare Flaxseed Laddus
To make these healthy laddus at home, you’ll need: half a kilo of flaxseeds, 750 grams of jaggery, half a cup of desi ghee, one-fourth cup of grated dry coconut, and 10–12 chopped almonds and cashews. Begin by roasting the flaxseeds and grinding them into a coarse powder once cooled. Lightly fry the dry fruits in ghee, then melt jaggery in a separate pan to make a syrup. Combine the flaxseed powder, dry fruits, and coconut with the jaggery syrup, mix well, and shape the mixture into laddus while it’s still warm.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Laddus
These laddus are especially beneficial during winter because both flaxseeds and jaggery have a warming effect on the body, helping to protect children from seasonal illnesses. They serve as an excellent energy source—perfect for those who work out or need a nutritious snack to stay energized through the day. Moreover, flaxseeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and help control blood pressure.

According to Jaipur-based dietitian Surabhi Pareek, flaxseed and jaggery laddus are also rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps prevent constipation. She recommends that people struggling with poor digestion include one flaxseed-jaggery laddu in their daily diet.