7 Impressive Benefits Of Makhana You Must Know

What is makhana? Or what is makhana made of?

The Euryale Ferox plant produces Makhana, which is a sort of seed. These seeds are sometimes known as fox nuts or lotus seeds. Makhanas are abundantly grown throughout Asia and are frequently used in traditional medicine to cure a variety of ailments. They’re also roasted and eaten as a savory snack or used in curries, side dishes, and desserts.

Nutritional value of Makhana

Quantity 100g
Calories 347Kcal
Protein 9.7g
Fat 0.1g
Carbohydrates 76.9g
Fiber 14.5g
Total Lipids 0.1g
Calcium 60g
Iron 1.4g

Calories in 1 cup of roasted makhana:106Kcal

7 benefits of makhana

1. Nutrients-dense

Makhana is high in various vital elements and is a perfect supplement to a healthy, well-balanced diet. Each meal has a considerable amount of carbohydrates and is high in various micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. Depiction of makhna’s health benefits from the abundant minerals present in it. The demonstration of calcium, in particular, promotes bone health, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Requirement of Magnesium, on the other hand, for a variety of metabolic activities in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle contractions, neuron function, and more.

2. It may help to keep blood sugar levels in check

According to certain studies, lotus seed benefits may aid in better blood sugar regulation. Several other animal experiments have found similar results, indicating that makhana extract may help with blood sugar control. Keep in mind, however, that this research used extremely high concentrations of makhana extract in animals. As a result, more research is needed to see how makhana affects blood sugar levels in humans when ingested in standard doses.

3. It may have anti-aging qualities

According to several studies, some chemicals discovered in makhana may have potent anti-aging benefits. In reality, makhana contains several amino acids renowned for their anti-aging benefits, including glutamine, cystine, arginine, and methionine, according to one review.
Proline is an amino acid present in collagen, a molecule that supports skin moisture and elasticity, and glutamine makes it. Creatine, a molecule have anti-aging properties in various older studies, is similarly made up of methionine and arginine. Makhana is also high in antioxidants, which can aid to improve skin health and reduce the aging process.

4. Antioxidants in abundance

Makhana is high in antioxidants, which are substances that assist in preventing oxidative stress by neutralizing damaging free radicals. Makhana, in particular, contains antioxidants such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin. Antioxidants play a role in a variety of areas of health, including the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, according to research. Antioxidants can also help with inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation.

5. It may help your heart

Despite the absence of human study, the benefits of eating makhana’s demonstration to be beneficial to heart health in animal trials. According to one animal study, giving makhana extract to rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for four weeks lowered high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are both prominent risk factors for heart disease. More research is necessary, however, to see how makhana affects heart health in adults when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

6. Prevent Weight loss

Benefits of eating makhanas for weight loss? If you include makhana food in your diet, it is a terrific way to increase your protein and fiber intake, two important nutrients that can help you lose weight. Protein, in particular, helps to manage your appetite and lessen food cravings. Fiber, on the other hand, passes slowly through your digestive tract, keeping you full throughout the day. According to several studies, eating more fiber has been related to lower belly fat and weight loss. Still, more research is needed to determine the effects of makhana on weight loss in particular.

Recipes to enjoy your Makhan food

1. Roasted Makhana

Ingredients
Makhan – 1 cup
Salt/rock salt- ½ tbsp
ghee/butter/oil anything of your choice- 1 tbsp
Black paper powder ½ tbsp

Method
1. In a hot iron vessel, add ghee and makhana.
2. After makhana starts to get that crunchy texture, add salt and black paper powder.
3. After you mix it properly you can readily eat it hot or even store it for a few days.

2. Spicy makhana

Ingredients
Makhana- 1 cup
Cumin seeds- ½ tbsp
Red Chili powder- ½ tbsp
salt/rock salt- ½ tbsp
oil/ghee/butter- 1 tbsp
Curry leaves- 2-3

Method
1. In a hot iron vessel, add oil and cumin seeds.
2. After the cumin seed starts to crackle, add curry leaves.
3. After having curry leaves, add your makhana to them.
4. Give it all a good mix.
5. After makhana starts to get its crunchy texture, add red chili powder and salt.
6. Now your spicy makhana is ready.
7. You can eat it hot or it can be stored for a few days.

Side effects of makhana

• Allergic reactions
• gastrointestinal problems
• increase in insulin levels
• Excess eating causes bloating.

Every food is good for the body until it is eaten in proper proportion. Excess of anything can result in side effects and can turn good food bad. So, eat makhana in the proper proportion to enjoy the benefits of makhana. And if you feel any discomfort, consult your physician.