A Star's Wellness Choice
Adah Sharma often shares glimpses of her unconventional fitness routines and plant-based diet with her followers. From practicing martial arts like Silambam to unique workouts like bathing elephants, she emphasizes making fitness fun and interesting.
Her diet is equally creative, featuring healthy hacks like using persimmon for mousse and following a vegan lifestyle. The introduction of black sesame milk is another example of her exploring nutrient-dense, plant-derived foods to supplement her active lifestyle.
The Allure of Black Sesame
Black sesame seeds, which give the milk its distinctive dark colour, are more than just a garnish. These are unhulled sesame seeds, meaning their outer coating is left intact. This preserves a higher concentration of minerals and antioxidants compared to their white counterparts. For centuries, they have been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian cuisines, revered for their nutty flavour and purported health benefits, especially for hair and skin. The milk itself is a creamy, non-dairy alternative that can be enjoyed by those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
The potential health benefits of black sesame seeds are impressive. They are a rich source of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are vital for bone health. The seeds also contain healthy fats and compounds like sesamin and sesamolin, which are believed to help manage cholesterol levels. Furthermore, they are packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and are a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion. Regular consumption is associated with benefits ranging from improved skin and hair health to better hormonal balance.
How to Make Adah Sharma's Black Sesame Milk
Making this striking drink at home is surprisingly simple, as demonstrated in the actress's own video. The process is similar to making other nut milks. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the method she shared.Ingredients:- 1/2 cup black sesame seeds- 8-10 cashews (optional, for creaminess)- 2-3 dates, pitted (for natural sweetness)- A pinch of salt- 3-4 cups of waterInstructions:1. Lightly toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until they become fragrant and start to pop. Be careful not to burn them. Toast the cashews lightly as well.2. Let the toasted seeds and nuts cool down completely.3. Add the cooled sesame seeds, cashews, pitted dates, and a pinch of salt to a high-speed blender.4. Pour in the water and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.5. Place a nut milk bag or a fine cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher.6. Pour the blended mixture into the bag and squeeze firmly to strain all the liquid out. The dark, smooth milk is now ready.
Tips and Zero-Waste Ideas
You can easily customise this drink to your liking. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency, or add more dates for extra sweetness. Some people enjoy a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour. The milk can be served chilled for a refreshing drink or warmed up for a comforting beverage. Interestingly, Adah Sharma also suggests a zero-waste approach by using the leftover pulp from the straining process as a natural face scrub or pack. This allows you to reap both the internal and external benefits of these nutritious seeds.
