Introduction to Makhana's Nutritional Value and Historical uses:
Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.), also known as fox nuts, lotus seeds, phool makhana, or gorgon nuts, is a hydrophyte that grows in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and low depressions. It is a popular food and herb in Asia.
Makhana is rich in protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, thiamine, and phosphorus. It is also low in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt. 100 grams of makhana has around 347 calories, 9.7 grams of protein, and 14.5 grams of fiber.
Makhana is adaptable and may be consumed as a snack or included into a variety of recipes, including major courses and desserts. It may be roasted and eaten as a delicious snack. In India, makhana is known as the "meal of god" and is frequently served as "prasad" at religious ceremonies. It is planted largely in lowland ponds in Bihar, Orissa, Assam, and West Bengal, with northeast Bihar accounting for 80% of total output.
- Makhana - high-quality easily digestible 11.16 % protein
- Makhana - least fat and is good from a health point of view
- Makhana - excellent source of quality about 75.04 % carbohydrates.
Is Makhana Good for Health?
Lotus seeds are cholesterol-free and sodium-free, and as a result, they are also an advantage to the heart. Magnesium, potassium, and protein are all abundant in Lotus seeds. They are an extremely healthy snacking alternative due to their high vitamin substance, and they also help the body in multiple ways. Makhana help you lose weight since they are low in calories and high in calcium, which is great for your bones. These seeds also assist in blood pressure, bodily purification, and improved digestive health. Their anti-aging effects also aid in the slowing of the body's aging process.
Health Benefits of Makhana:
Fox Nuts are an excellent illustration of how looks can be deceptive. Despite their small size, they offer a lot of health benefits, making them an ideal snack. The nutrition facts for Makhana indicate that this simple and healthy superfood has far too many benefits. This long-forgotten delicacy is gaining appeal as more people look to their roots and their grandmother's cooking secrets for health and beauty treatments. Makhanas are High protein, low-calorie, low-carb healthy snack options for all age groups, and genders and even for late-night healthy snacking options. Makhanas are low-calorie filling foods.
- Improves Heart Health:
Makhanas have a low salt level but a high potassium content, which helps hypertensive persons drop their blood pressure. They are ideal for controlling blood pressure due to their reduced salt content. Magnesium, which is abundant in makhanas, improves the quality of blood and oxygen in the body, whereas low magnesium levels increase the risk of heart disease. Fox seed contains folate and magnesium, which helps improve heart health by lowering the risk of heart disease-related diseases.
- Helps for Weight Loss:
When you want to reduce weight, the first thing you should do is boost your protein intake. Makhanas are strong in protein, thus they keep you full for a long period. This, in turn, discourages future consumption. Furthermore, makhanas are minimal in calories, making them an excellent weight-reduction snack. Makhanas are significantly healthier since they contain the fewest saturated fats.
- Good for Digestion:
Makhanas are high in fiber, which helps with digestion. They can help with bowel movements if you incorporate them into your daily diet, and constant consumption can promote digestion and avoid constipation.
- Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar Levels:
Makhanas are high in protein and carbohydrates, and have a low glycemic index, making them good for diabetics. Makhanas have a lower glycemic index than many other foods. Makhanas are an ideal diet for treating obesity and diabetes due to their high magnesium and low salt content.
- Calming Effect:
Makhana seeds include antispasmodic and calming qualities that are beneficial to human health. This means that it might improve your sleep quality by soothing your nerves. The presence of isoquinoline alkaloids in lotus seeds helps to dilate blood vessels and rejuvenate the body.
- High protein healthy snacking source for the body:
Protein, potassium, and magnesium are all essential components of a healthy diet, and these seeds also include zinc and iron. You have to think that these seeds are healthy since they are low in cholesterol, sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Makhana is a popular healthy snack due to its nutritional value.
Makhana Benefits for Hair:
- Natural conditioner for strong Hair:
Makhana extracts are a popular component in hair conditioners for a reason. They can reduce frizz and flyaways, prevent split ends, and give your hair a natural, healthy sheen. Makhana's emollient characteristics assist in locking in moisture, leaving hair moisturized and manageable.
- Adds strength and Volume to Hair:
Makhana is high in protein and vital minerals, which promotes stronger, thicker, and more volumized hair. Makhana has a high concentration of protein, which is an important building element for hair. Makhana contains elements such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, which promote hair health.
- Anti-Graying support:
According to studies, lotus seed oil may help prevent premature greying by boosting melanin formation in hair follicles. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color, and increasing melanin production can help hair stay darker for longer.
Makhana Benefits for Skin:
- Hydration Hero:
Makhana is a natural moisturizer that is ideal for dry or flaky skin. It includes important fatty acids, which help restore the skin's natural moisture barrier and prevent dryness and flakiness. Additionally, Makhana's high water content keeps skin plump and nourished from within.
- Wrinkle Warrior:
Makhana is high in antioxidants, which help combat free radical damage and may reduce the aging process. Free radicals are unstable chemicals that can harm skin cells and cause wrinkles and fine lines. Makhana contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from their negative effects.
- Soothes and Protects:
Makhana's anti-inflammatory qualities may aid in relieving inflamed skin and support general skin health. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling, and itching. Makhana's anti-inflammatory qualities may help alleviate these symptoms and produce a more relaxed, healthy complexion. Furthermore, Makhana's astringent characteristics may help constrict pores and minimize excess oil production, which is excellent for acne-prone skin.
- Anti-aging Inflammation:
L-Isoaspartyl methyltransferase is found in lotus seeds. Because it aids in the repair of smashed proteins, this enzyme is responsible for the anti-aging benefits. These enzymes help to prevent skin aging and aid in the repair and maintenance of damaged proteins.
Makhana Vs. Other Healthy Snacks:
When compared to other nutritious snacks such as almonds, walnuts, and seeds, Makhana stands out because of its low calorie count and high protein and vitamin content. It's an excellent snack for weight management and overall health maintenance.
Forms of Makhana with Recommended Dosage:
The Makhana is a medical herb that is available in various forms. This makes it easier for people to consume in their daily life. Each kind of form is used for each type of health problem or disease. Each form has to be consumed with the limited Dosage only. The recommended Dosage for each form is as follows
- Roasted Makhana- 2 to 3 of Makhana a day
- Raw type of Makhana- A handful of Makhana, mostly 1-3
- Makhana powder- 2 to 3 spoons of powder to be taken
Makhana FAQ’s:
1. What is Makhana made of?
2. Can Makhana be consumed every day?
3.Is Makhana appropriate for weight reduction diets?
