Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India. It is the birth of Lord Ganesh. Devotees offer the deity with “Modak” as prasad.  Modaks are of two varieties: the steamed modaks and the deep-fried modaks. The most popular one is the steamed modaks, commonly called Ukdiche modak. Ingredients like ground rice, jaggery/sugar, ghee, groundnuts, and dried fruits are used in the preparation of Ukdiche modak. Modaks are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. 

Health benefits of ingredients used in Modak

Ghee - Ghee is used in Indian cooking and ayurvedic preparations since olden times. Ghee helps in fighting constipation. Ghee is rich in butyric acid, which helps the body in producing T cells that fight diseases. Ghee is rich in vitamin K, which helps in calcium absorption. It helps in the prevention of tooth decay and prevents atherosclerosis. Ghee consumption increases appetite in kids. Also, pure ghee of cow also helps in keeping the heart healthy and weight loss.

Rice - Rice serves as a good source of B vitamins (including thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin) and iron. Rice is also an excellent source of manganese and magnesium.

Jaggery - Since jaggery is used instead of sugar in modak, it is considered better in terms of digestion and helps in relieving constipation. Not only this, but jaggery is also rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which helps to clear toxins from the body by cleansing the liver, intestines, and stomach. Antioxidants and minerals like selenium and zinc present in jaggery help in boosting immunity.

Coconut - In modak, coconut is ground as a filling. Coconut is also beneficial for health in many ways. The triglycerides present in coconut are not only considered good for the heart but also help in reducing blood pressure and controlling it. Coconut is high in fat and calories while moderate in carbs and protein. Manganese and antioxidants in coconut may help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Coconut may lower your fasting blood sugar and alter your gut bacteria to aid blood sugar control.

The steam-cooked modak containing ground rice, ghee, coconut, jaggery is medium to low on the glycaemic index.

Some most common uses of modak – alleviates constipation and arthritis, boosts immunity, and protects the heart.