LOTUS SEED (Makhana) – King of Dry Fruits

The Phool Makhana or Lotus Seeds are the Top rated dry fruits known globally due to their high medicinal properties since ages. They are also called as Gorgon Nuts or the Fox Nuts and comes from Euryale Ferox plant usually found in stagnant water predominantly in Easter Asian.

In India it is also known as Godly Food owing to its high therapeutic uses and is widely used in various religious ceremonies across India. It is among the few super nuts that are wholesome and healthy. Hence it easily becomes a fasting feast.

In fact, roasted Makhanas are great sources of vital energy for growing kids as well who now a days are blindly following the western style of junk or processed fast foods. Therefore this is a must read for all the Loving Mothers of Loving Children. A perfect low snacks for a health conscious family. It finds wide uses as ingredient in several foods and sweet dishes of Indian cuisine.

Healing Properties of Makhana

Makhana is known to have high nutritional value as it is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, iron, and zinc. It is widely recommended in weight loss programs as it give a feeling of fullness while taken as a snacks and prevents overeating.

It is widely believed to be beneficial in overall skin health (wrinkles and signs of ageing) owing to the presence of antioxidants and certain amino acids that have anti-ageing property. Let us see what some of the healing properties of Makhana are one by one.

Weight Loss

Makhana keeps one away from overeating owing to sufficient amount of protein available in it. This helps in preventing overeating. Besides, Makhana are very low in calories making them the ideal candidate for the popular weight loss snack. There is hardly is saturated any fats in them which in turn makes them even healthier for the body.

Beneficial in Sugar Levels

Carbohydrates and protein are abundant in Makhana. As low glycemic foods, Makhana plays an enabling role of managing one’s blood sugar levels. Their glycemic index is low over several staple foods. Lower sodium coupled with high amount of magnesium content make it a perfect food that fights diabetes and obesity. If consumed in proper quantity and manner, it can contribute in controlling the blood sugar levels.

Beneficial in Digestion

Makhana contains high amount of fibre in it. This high fibre content makes it an important part of digestive process. Its daily diet helps in aiding the regular bowel movement. Hence daily consumption can help keep indigestion and constipation away. Further it is rich source of antioxidant and thus more helpful in digestion process besides improving the overall respiratory system. It also helps in prevention of excessive and frequent urination.

Beneficial for Bones

Calcium is an important source of mineral that plays a very crucial role in maintaining the strength of overall bones. Sufficient intake of calcium is a must for anybody to improve their bones. As a good source of the several vital minerals, consuming Makhanas can play an important role in strengthening bones.

Beneficial in Heart Diseases

Makhanas or the Fox Nuts are known for lower quantity of sodium in it but high amounts of potassium. This high amount of potassium helps in decreasing the blood pressure levels among hypertension patients. Further the lower amount of sodium makes them extremely useful in keeping blood pressure in control.

Moreover high amount of magnesium present in Makhana significantly improves the quality of blood and oxygen in the body. Low magnesium levels increases the risk of heart diseases. Therefore the consumption of fox nuts can help in improving the overall condition of the Heart.

Beneficial in removing Toxins

Mahkanas or the Fox nuts is well known for its healing properties that 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.

Beneficial for Anti-Ageing properties

Daily consumption of Makhana in right quantity help in fighting the free radicals. In fact, they act as an anti-ageing agent. Makhana is comprised of natural flavonoid known as kaempferol that help in slowing down the process of ageing. This flavonoid helps keep away signs of ageing such as loss of hairs or greying of hairs and the wrinkles formation among others.

Male Sexual Dysfunction

Loss of libido is one of the reason of Sexual Dysfunction in men. Right amount of daily consumption of Makhana is widely recognised in Traditional Medicines as helping in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is because it increases the quality and quantity of semen.

How to Use Makhana?

Makhana can be consumed in variety of ways. The simplest yet the most healthy method is to roast the Makhanas or fox seeds or fry them in a little ghee wherein they pop and looks like a popcorn. These puffed seeds can be tossed with some black salt for a delicious morning or evening snacks. Moreover these the puffed seeds can be used as an ingredient in dishes like Makhana Kheer, Creamy Makhana with Paneeer or Mushrooms and Makhana Chops. Makhanas by themselves are very neutral by taste and takes on the flavours that are added to it. So enjoy one of the dish today itself. WHY HANG ON!!!

Nutrition Value in Makhana

Makhana is packed with many nutrients, making them one of the best traditional yet healthy snacks food item. High protein content with low calories helps weight management goals. Each 100 g of Makhanas contain 347 calories.

Quantity	100 g
Calories	347 cal
Protein	9.7 g
Fats	0.1 g
Carbohydrates	76.9 g
Fiber	14.5 g

Side Effects of Makhana

Not enough research is available regarding side effects, but eating too much Makhana may cause constipation, bloating and flatulence. Makhana which is basically Lotus seeds may also contain some heavy metals which come through the water. Otherwise it is a super nut to munch on though avoid overeating.

Reference – General Info on Internet & some health related publications