Makhana, also called the fox nuts, is one of the most sought-after snacks in most Indian families. The delicious nuts are extracted from a plant known as the Euryale Fox. This plant originates from eastern Asian Ponds or wetlands and majorly found in still water. Besides it’s a contribution to savories and sweets, Makhanas occupied an important place in the ayurvedic medicines. Therefore today we will highlight some of the important points and the benefits of makhana.
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Benefits of makhana for health
The benefits of makhana are immense, especially when it comes to health. Therefore today we will talk about some of the significant health benefits related to that.
Fulfilling snack
Talking about the pure Indian snack, you can always add makhana to the list. It is because some of the snacks are prepared with additives and preservatives. That, to a great extent, accentuate the cholesterol level and leaves a poor impact on the overall health.
Makhana is not such a snack, and it will not give you any health problems. Having a handful of makhana will provide energy and at the same time will make you fill fuller as well.
Good diabetic people
Fox nuts are the best for diabetic people because it contains only good fats and no trace of saturated fats.
Helps in losing weight
These days, most people from youngsters to elders all hit the gym to keep the flab away. But yes you can get a slim trim body easily by curbing hunger. And for that, a bowl of fox nuts or makhana would be a nice treat.
It is so because makhana is free of gluten but rich in both carbohydrate and protein. At the same time, it is low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
Reduce constipation
You can even include makhana to get rid of constipation. Once you have makhana, it stimulates the digestive process and easily clears out the bowels because it is rich in fiber. Thus, it can relieve you from bloating and stomach aches as well.
Good for people with hypertension
People with hypertension need to watch out their diet closely. You cannot include anything random and high in sodium. Instead of that, you can stay in the safe zone by snacking on makhana.
It is scientifically proven that the presence of a high level of potassium and a low level of sodium acts as a hindrance and does not let your blood pressure shoot up.
Reduces inflammation
Do you know that makhana can minimize inflammation? Well if not yet then note that makhana is anti-inflammatory by nature. It is because of the presence of kaempferol, an organic compound.
By having makhana, you can reduce most of the inflammatory diseases like rheumatism, arthritis, etc. Hope you will like to know that makhana is distinguished for its antibacterial characteristic as well.
Improves the health of your heart
It is said that makhanas improve the health condition of your heart. It is so because makhanas consist of magnesium. That increases the level of blood flow and also enhances the oxygen level. But makhanas have both magnesium and folate that helps to improve coronary heart problems with ease.
Enhances the strength of your bones
You should know that to improve bone health, you need to take the right proportion of minerals, vitamins, and calcium.
Calcium is of key importance for strengthening your bones. To get required calcium, you can consider makhana as it is an easy-to-grab snack.
Helps in good functioning of the brain
When you talk about the brain’s proper functioning, obviously you have to consider one thing that it means to think with cognition. And to make your nerves work properly, you can take the help of the makhana. The makhana seeds are known to have a high level of thiamine which increases the level of acetylcholine, which smoothens the process of neurotransmission.
Detoxifies body
You can even include makhana for blood detoxification. It does so because they help in recycling the RBCs and retaining the white blood cells.
Can help to heal insomnia
Many find it difficult to lay on the bed and close their eyes for a while, especially during the nighttime. For them having makhana is the best way to treat insomnia. It is because the handful of makhana releases stress and helps you sleep soundly.
These were some of the health benefits of Makhana
Benefits of makhana for skin
In this part, we will talk about some of the most important skin benefits of makhana. Take a look at the pointers to understand that at once.
Checks skin aging
You know that when skin gets too much exposure to the radiation from the sun, it begins to develop patches and fine lines.
It so happens because these factors increase the free radicals and the reactive oxygen species. And also kills the DNA and results in oxidative stress. Finally, it leads to the aging of the skin. But yes you can reduce the effect by having makhana.
You should know that makhana is known for its antioxidant properties. That means it is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols that are good for shielding the skin from aging.
Restores skin moisture
Skin needs to retain its moisture level to look supple and glossy. That is why hydrated skin looks more beautiful and younger compared to dehydrated skin.
Note that when the skin gets in contact with the sun rays, the epidermal keratinocytes automatically get thickened, and that causes the skin to lose its moisture. Taking makhana can prevent the skin from losing its moisture. Therefore, if you have the makhana for a longer duration, you can prevent the growth of keratinocytes and shield the skin from dehydration.
Fortified from skin cancer
You know that skin cancer is mostly caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The UV rays can also kill the DNA and cause inflammation as well. But according to scientists, fox nut seeds can reduce the oxidizing effect of the DNA. And it is because of the presence of the flavonoid and polyphenol, which minimizes the adverse impact of the sun rays and protects the skin.
Can fight acne
Whether you are a boy or a girl, honestly small red acne on your face seems weird. And according to the doctor, it is true that diet plays a significant role in treating acne.
It is often said that people who are less prone to spicy and junk foods can get rid of acne easily. However, we will suggest an easy go-to remedy for acne, and that is makhana. Have makhana as an easy snack because it is filled with antioxidants.
Hair benefits of makhana
You should know that lotus seeds have been used for other purposes as well, apart from having it as a wonderful snack item. You can even use the same as a part of the cosmetic item. Therefore, today we will talk about some of the important hair benefits of makhana.
Prevents gray hair
Lotus seeds are packed with chemical compounds that enhance the melanin process synthesis, which helps prevent grey hair.
Good for weak hair
Many of you suffer from hair problems like hair loss and weak hair strands. Those who suffer from such issues can add the lotus seeds to gain shine, strength, and hair volume.
Organic hair conditioner
You have often heard that after shampooing, you need to condition your hair. And in that case, the best conditioner would be the one prepared organically. Well, you can consider the lotus seeds in that case. The makhana paste for your hair would indeed turn out good, especially to prevent split ends.
Other benefits and usage of makhana
Relaxing effect
The underlined benefit of the makhana is that it can relieve you from stress. This is because the lotus seeds consist of isoquinoline alkaloids which eases the dilation process of the blood vessels. Thus, help to enjoy a sound and deep sleep.
Good for healing urine problem
Often, males suffer from problems related to the prostate; having the makhana would be a great step to cure the urinary problem. And that minimizes the passing frequency of the bowels.
Cure for diarrhea
Do you know that makhana can be a good treat to cure diahhrea? If yes, then you should know that makhana is known for its robust astringent properties. And that helps the bowel to move slowly through the tracts.
Makhana recipes
Sneak peek at some of the important makhana recipes
Roast Makhana
The first thing that you can try is the roasted form of makhana. To prepare that you need about 100 grams of the makhana.
Preparation process
First, add olive oil in a heated place and Then fry it in olive oil and sprinkle turmeric powder and salt. Overall, it will take about 10 minutes. But you can even add some pepper to it in case if you want a spicy taste.
Raita with makhana
To make this, you will need yogurt, cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, chat masala, and coriander leaves.
Preparation process
To prepare this, you will have to dry roast the makhana. Roast it for five minutes and then crush them into powder form. After that prepare a separate bowl with curd and salt. You have to stir the curd well and then add cumin powder, red chili powder, chat masala, and the lotus seeds. Once done, garnish the same with coriander leaves.
Kheer with makhana
To make kheer makhana, you will need milk, nuts like almond, pistachio, dates, cardamom powder, etc.
Preparation process
To prepare this, you have to roast the makhana and then grind it into powder in the grinder. At the same time, you should start boiling the milk, add items such as dates, and crushed makhana. Finally, add the nuts as well as the spices.
Curry with makhana
To prepare the makhana curry, you need to have ingredients such as makhana, cumin powder, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, cashews, yogurt, turmeric powder, salt, sugar, red chili powder, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, garam masala, yogurt, and ghee.
Preparation process
First of you will have to prepare the paste of tomato, ginger, garlic, and cashews. In the meantime stir the makhanas on a heated pan without any oil.
Make sure to heat the ghee and add the spices one by one. Then put the masalas and fry all of them for five minutes. Then add the water and yogurt, make sure to stir it nicely. Finally, include the garam masala and coriander leaves.
Brief about the nutritional value of the makhanas
If you think about the nutritional value of makhana, note that it is known for its high level of fiber, low cholesterol, and glycemic index.
The best about the makhanas is that the fat content is almost negligible. That is why weight-conscious people do consider makhana as the best diet.
Iron 1.4 gm
Calcium 60 gm
Fiber 14 .5 gm
Protein 9.7 gm
Carbohydrate 79.6 gm
Fats 0.1 gm
Total lipid 0.1 gram out of 100
Calories 347 gram out of 100
Few precautions
So far, we have discussed in detail the benefits of lotus. But now in this section, we will talk about the side effects of the lotus.
- The first thing about makhana is that it can cause allergies and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Women who are pregnant should not eat makhana without consulting with the doctor.
Final thoughts
In this article, we have discussed many things about makhana, especially our topic about the benefits of makhana. We have endeavored to cover all the aspects of makhana benefits. But yes you should not gorge on makhana any time you want to have. Make sure that you have this in moderation. And people who have bloating, flatulence problems should not take it often.
