5 Indian Sweets That Are Surprisingly Healthy
Manika | Jul 04, 2025, 20:00 IST
( Image credit : Pixabay )
Highlight of the story: Growing up in Jaipur, my relationship with sweets was deeply emotional. Whether it was besan laddoos during Diwali, gond ke ladoo in winter, or kheer on birthdays—desserts weren’t just about sugar. They were about memory. Warmth. Family. Celebration. But somewhere along the way, we were told sweets = unhealthy. “Too much sugar.”, “Too much fat.”, “Too many calories.” And yet, Ayurveda—and grandma—would both strongly disagree. Because when made the traditional way with ghee, jaggery, nuts, and healing spices, many Indian sweets are not just indulgent—they’re actually nourishing. So here’s a guilt-free, sweet-toothed deep dive into 5 Indian sweets that are surprisingly healthy, when eaten mindfully.
1. Gond Ke Ladoo – Winter’s Healing Ball
What It Is:
Why It’s Healthy:
Packed with iron and healthy fats from ghee and dry fruits.
Keeps the body warm in cold climates and boosts stamina.
Did You Know?
Best Time to Eat: One in the morning during winter with warm milk.
2. Til Ke Ladoo/Til ki Chikki – Sesame’s Tiny Powerhouse
What It Is:
Why It’s Healthy:
Jaggery helps cleanse the liver and improves digestion.
Great for skin, hair, and hormonal balance.
Did You Know?
Best Time to Eat: During winter mornings or post-meal as a digestive treat.
3. Kheer – When Rice, Milk & Cardamom Become Comfort Food
What It Is:
Why It’s Healthy:
Cardamom aids digestion and reduces bloating.
When sweetened with jaggery or dates, it becomes even healthier.
Did You Know?
Make It Healthier: Use low-GI sweeteners like coconut sugar or dates, and switch to brown rice or millets.
4. Besan Ladoo – Protein Meets Pleasure
What It Is:
Why It’s Healthy:
Ghee boosts gut health and immunity.
Jaggery helps detox the body and balances Vata dosha.
Did You Know?
Best Time to Eat: Mid-morning or as an energy-boosting 4 PM snack.
5. Lauki Halwa – Yes, That’s Bottle Gourd in Your Dessert
What It Is:
Why It’s Healthy:
Very low in calories but rich in potassium and vitamin C.
A natural coolant for the body.
Did You Know?
Best Time to Eat: Summer evenings or post-meal for a light dessert.
How to Make Any Sweet Healthier—The Indian Way
Replace refined sugar with jaggery, dates, or coconut sugar.
Use ghee moderately, it’s better than processed oils.
Add dry fruits, nuts, and seeds to boost protein and omega-3s.
Avoid synthetic colors and flavorings.
Practice mitahara; eat small portions with gratitude.
The Bigger Truth: It’s Not the Sweet, It’s How You Eat It
Late-night bingeing
Store-bought sweets with preservatives
Overeating mindlessly while stressed
Ayurveda teaches us that food is medicine when eaten with intention and moderation.
And the Bhagavad Gita echoes:
So yes, you can eat sweets. Just know your sankalp (intent), your limit, and your body’s response.
Let Sweets Be Sacred Again
Sweets made with love, seasonal ingredients, and traditional wisdom nourish more than just the body, they comfort the soul.
Because in India, a ladoo is never just a ladoo.
It’s a hug. A memory. A blessing.
And yes, when made right, it’s healthy too.
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