5 Key Benefits of a Traditional Delicacy: Ashure

Aşure is a traditional delicacy that symbolizes unity, togetherness, solidarity and sharing, while its rich content makes it beneficial for health, satisfying and meets the need for sweetness. Yeşim Özcan, Nutrition and Diet Specialist at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, states: "Aşure is a nutrient-rich food that is also high in calories, so one should not overindulge when consuming it and should pay attention to portion size. An average bowl of aşure contains 300-350 calories. Those with diabetes in particular should consume it carefully." Nutrition and Diet Specialist Yeşim Özcan shared 5 important health benefits of aşure and provided important warnings and recommendations.

Protects Intestinal Health

Low water intake and sedentary lifestyle affect intestinal movement and can lead to constipation. For this reason, it is important to eat foods high in fiber. Since the dried legumes in aşure have a high fiber content, it protects intestinal health and relieves constipation by increasing intestinal movement. Thanks to the dried legumes present in abundance in aşure, it has high fiber content. This way it increases intestinal movement and helps with constipation problems.

Lowers Cholesterol

Oil seeds such as hazelnuts and walnuts contained in aşure have high amounts of omega 3, which lowers cholesterol and protects heart and vascular health. For this reason, aşure is a healthy dessert that heart patients would prefer due to its rich content, but one should not exceed one bowl per day.

Helps with Forgetfulness

While forgetfulness has many causes, inadequate B vitamin intake increases forgetfulness. Since the nuts in aşure contain abundant B and E vitamins, these vitamins protect brain health, strengthen memory and can be a solution for forgetfulness problems.

Increases Breast Milk

Aşure helps increase breast milk thanks to the plant-based protein it contains, and also meets the sweet need that occurs during the breastfeeding period. It stands out as a healthy dessert alternative that can be consumed very easily three weeks after giving birth. However, during the first three weeks, it should not be consumed because the dense dried legumes it contains can cause gas problems.    

Reduces Stress

Nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts added in the decoration or preparation of aşure contribute to stress management thanks to the vitamins and minerals they contain. Nuts also contain E vitamin, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids that support the immune system. Almonds in particular are rich in protein, fiber and potassium; they also contain vitamins such as Niacin and Riboflavin that can help prevent the negative effects of stress.