Ask anyone from North India about their winter memories, and they will likely mention a palmful of peanuts (moongfali) and a piece of gur (jaggery) offered by a grandmother. This isn't just nostalgia; it's a perfectly engineered nutritional hack designed to combat the specific stresses of the Indian winter.
In 2026, as cases of anemia and fatigue rise due to poor diet, this simple combination is making a comeback as a superfood snack. Processed protein bars often contain preservatives and sugars that don't suit the Indian digestive system. Gur and peanuts, however, are whole foods that work in synergy.
"The body craves warmth in winter, and both peanuts and jaggery generate heat," explains nutritionist Kavita Sharma. "But the real magic is the iron content. Jaggery is one of the best non-heme (plant-based) sources of iron. However, iron absorption requires Vitamin C, which peanuts lack. So, the hack is to squeeze a little lemon juice over roasted peanuts and eat them with jaggery. The lemon provides the Vitamin C to absorb the iron from the jaggery."
Furthermore, peanuts provide protein and healthy fats to keep you satiated, while jaggery releases energy slowly, preventing the sugar crash associated with refined sugar. Carry a small mixture of roasted peanuts and gur pieces in your pocket. When you feel the 4 p.m. energy slump, skip the coffee and reach for this desi trail mix. It fuels your body heat and blood count naturally.
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