Makhanas or Foxnuts are low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. Therefore, they are good for the heart too. Makhanas or Foxnuts are also extremely good sources of magnesium, potassium, manganese, protein, and phosphorus. Their extremely high nutrient content makes them an extremely healthy snacking option.

Additionally, they aid the body in various ways. Being low in calories, Makhanas promote weight loss, while their calcium content makes them extremely good for the bones. These seeds also contribute greatly to the controlling of blood pressure, detoxification of the body, and improved digestive health. Their anti-ageing properties also help slow down the ageing process of the body.

In India, makhanas are commonly consumed when fasting, thanks to their strong nutritional value. Commonly known as lotus seeds or fox nuts, they are also used as an ingredient in several foods or sweet dishes of the Indian cuisine.

In addition to being an extremely popular ingredient in various recipes, fox nuts can also be used as a nutritional snack that one can munch on at any time of the day. Additionally, they have also been used for medical since medieval times. They also contain several micronutrients that are extremely important for the human body.

Health Benefits of Makhana

Makhanas are a perfect example of how looks can be deceptive. In spite of their extremely small size, they have several health benefits that make them a very good snack to munch on. Here are the 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Makhanas:

1. Better Digestive Health

Their high fiber content makes Makhanas an important part of one’s digestive health. Including them in one’s daily diet helps aid regular bowel movement. The regular consumption of these lotus seeds can help keep indigestion and constipation at bay.

The antioxidant properties of Makhanas make them even better for digestion, and improving the entire respiratory system. They also aid in the prevention of excessive and frequent urination.

2. Improved Cognitive Function

Lotus seeds have high thiamine content too. Thus, the consumption of Makhanas helps with sustaining the cognitive function of the nerves. Eating these nuts also helps in the generation of acetylcholine, and thus, contributes to the process of neurotransmission.

3. Acts as Detoxing Agents

Fox nuts aid in flushing out all the toxins from the body. The spleen recycles the RBCs, and retains the new WBCs and platelets. Makhanas play a great role in detoxifying the spleen, thus helping in the detox of blood.

4. Controls Blood Sugar Levels or Diabetes

Makhanas are rich in good carbohydrates and protein. As low glycemic foods, fox nuts can play an important role in managing one’s blood sugar levels. Their glycemic index is significantly lower than several staple foods.

The low sodium and high magnesium content make Makhanas the right food to fight diabetes and obesity. If eaten in the right quantity and manner, they can contribute to the control of blood sugar levels.

5. Anti-Ageing Properties

The regular consumption of fox nuts help fight free radicals. Thus, they act as an anti-ageing agent. Makhanas contain a natural flavonoid called kaempferol that helps slow down the ageing process. This flavonoid helps keep away signs of ageing such as hair loss, greying of hair, and the formation of wrinkles.

6. Improved Bone Strength

Calcium is an important mineral that plays a crucial role in one’s bone health. Sufficient intake of calcium is a must for anybody to improve their bone strength. As a good source of the mineral, consuming Makhanas can play an important role in strengthening one’s bones.

7. Improved Heart Health

Makhanas have low amounts of sodium and high amounts of potassium in them. The high potassium helps decrease the blood pressure levels among hypertension patients. Being low in sodium makes them extremely useful in keeping these blood pressure levels in check.

The abundant magnesium present in Makhanas significantly improves the quality of blood and oxygen in the body. Low magnesium levels increases the risk of heart diseases in the body.

The consumption of fox nuts can help improve one’s heart condition since the folate and magnesium content help reduce the risk of diseases linked to coronary heart disease.

8. Weight Loss (Controls Obesity)

The presence of sufficient amount of protein in these healthy snacks helps one stay full for longer after eating these for snacks. This helps prevent overeating.

In addition to that, Makhanas are also low in calories making them the ideal weight loss snack. Negligible amounts of saturated fats in them make them even healthier for the body.

9. Aids Hypertension Problems

They are high on magnesium and potassium and low on sodium. This makes fox nuts an ideal snack for those watching their weight. The high potassium and low sodium is a great combination for patients suffering from hypertension. The potassium brings down the Blood Pressure and sodium tries to bring it up. So those who suffer from High Blood Pressure can snack on fox nuts without facing any spikes in their Blood Pressure

10. Helps In Inflammatory Problems

Fox nuts have a natural compound, kaempferol that reduces inflammation in the body. Inflammation is responsible for most modern diseases like diabetes, Arthritis, Rheumatism. Also, fox nuts have antibacterial properties.

11. Solves The Problem of Insomnia

These Lotus seed have the ability to regulate and handle the unnerving condition of insomnia as it has a naturally sedative consequence

12. Diarrhea & Dysentery

It is extremely helpful in getting rid of diarrhea. Lotus seeds are known to stop prolonged diarrhea since it contains a high quantity of caustic quality which if consumed, can even improve the appetite

13. Acts as An Alternative Medicine

As per traditional Chinese medicine, Makhana is extremely beneficial to strengthen the kidneys and spleen. Additionally, it helps in disorders like erectile dysfunction and arthritis. It is full of antioxidant properties which aid in digestion and rejuvenates the entire respiratory system and prevents excessive and frequent urination problem

Is The Nutritional Value of Foxnuts or Makhanas?

Lotus seeds are generally packed with nutrients, making them an extremely healthy snack. Their protein content makes them extremely useful in one’s weight loss goals. In addition to that, they are also low on calories. 100 gm of Makhanas contain 347 calories.

 

Recipes of Makhanas or Foxnuts

Consuming makhanas on a regular basis can prove extremely beneficial to any individual. Try these 4 delicious recipes, and enjoy their incredible health benefits.

1. Roasted Makhana

INGREDIENTS

• 100 grams of makhana
• 1 tsp olive oil
• A pinch of haldi
• Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION

1. In a heavy bottom pan, dry roast the makhana on low to medium heat. It will take about 10 minutes to roast evenly.
2. Mix the Premium Cooking Oil, Rock Salt, Black Pepper and Turmeric or Haldi. Add to the roasted makhana and stir for a few more minutes, until the makhanas are crisp to taste. Allow it to cool completely and store in an air-tight container.

2. Sugar-Free Makhana Kheer

INGREDIENTS

• 1-litre low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup makhana (puffed lotus seeds/fox nuts)
• 3-4 dates, chopped finely
• 1 tsp chopped pistachios
• 2 tsp chopped almonds
• 1 tsp green cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder.

PREPARATION

1. Dry roast the fox nuts till crisp.
2. Cool it and blend coarsely in a grinder or with a rolling pin.
3. Boil the milk in a deep non-stick pan.
4. Once the milk boils, add the dates and coarsely crushed lotus seeds, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2-5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
5. Add the nuts and spices, mix, serve warm or cold.

3. Makhana Raita

Serves 3
Prep Time – 5 Minutes
Cooking Time – 5 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• Makhana – 1 cup
• Low fat yogurt – 2 cups
• Roasted cumin powder – 1/2 tsp
• Red chilli powder – 1/2 tsp
• Chat masala – 1/4 tsp
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Coriander leaves chopped – 2 tbsp

PREPARATION

1. Dry roast the makhanas in a pan for 5 minutes till they are crisp.
2. Keep it for cooling. Now, put it in a zip-lock bag and roll a rolling pin over it till it is crushed but not powdered.
3. Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until it is smooth.
4. Add all the masalas and salt along with the makhanas, and stir it.
5. Serve the resultant raita cold, and garnished with coriander leaves.

4. Makhana Curry

Serves 2
Prep Time – 10 minutes
Cooking Time – 20 MINS

INGREDIENTS

• Makhana – 1 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 inch piece
• Cloves – 3
• Cardamom – 1
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Haldi – 1/4 tsp
• Coriander cumin powder – 1 tsp
• Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp
• Low fat yogurt – 1/4 cup
• Coriander leaves – 1 tbsp chopped
• Ghee (cow) – 1 tbsp salt to taste
• For onion tomato paste
• Onion – 1 big roughly chopped
• Tomatoes – 3 roughly chopped
• Ginger – 1 inch piece chopped
• Garlic – 3 cloves chopped
• Cashews – 6-7

PREPARATION

1. Boil the onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and cashews in a cup of water for 5 mins. Wait for it to cool and grind to a fine paste.
2. Dry roast the makhanas for 5 mins till they are crisp.
3. Heat the ghee in a non stick pan and add the cloves, cardamom, cumin and cinnamon. When the cumin crackles, add the paste and cook for 5 minutes, while stirring in between.
4. Add the masalas, except Garam masala, and saute for a minute.
5. Add a cup of water and let it boil.
6. Add the curd, and whisk it the whole time.
7. Add the makhanas and cook for 2 minutes, while stirring, till they absorb the gravy. Add more water if necessary.
8. Add the Garam masala and coriander leaves and serve the dish hot.

Makhana Side Effects and Precautions

While makhanas have several health benefits and incredible nutritional value, there are certain precautions that must be taken while consuming them. One must take special care to take these precautions and avoid the side effects of makhanas.

1. Allergies

Many people are known to have lotus seed allergies. If you feel any allergy symptoms upon consuming makhanas, it is best to consult a physician with regard to the same.

2. Anti-Arrhythmic

Makhanas are known to be anti-arrhythmic in nature. Any individual that is undergoing treatment for arrhythmia should ideally consult their doctors before consuming any lotus seeds.

3. Blood Sugar Levels

Makhanas tend to help reduce blood sugar levels in the body. A diabetic patient that is already on insulin should ideally get in touch with their physician before munching on these delicious, yet healthy snacks.

4. Digestive Problems

Consuming fox nuts in excess can lead to constipation, flatulence, and bloating. An individual that is already suffering from constipation must avoid makhanas completely.

Side-Effects & Allergies of Makhana

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