Makhana is a classic Indian snack and a high-value aquatic cash crop. It thrives in perennial water sources that are stagnant. Makhana has long been used in traditional eastern medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including kidney difficulties, persistent diarrhoea, excessive leucorrhea, and spleen hypofunction. Furthermore, due to its high medical value and mineral richness, it is quickly becoming a global superfood.
Makhanas are high in manganese, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, protein, and phosphorus, and are a good source of these minerals. Makhana is also high in important amino acids, both raw and fried. Makhanas that have been delicately roasted make a great teatime snack and a great tiffin choice for youngsters. Makhanas are used in India to produce foods including kheer, curries, raita, and cutlets.
Makhanas are commonly used in religious rites and as a form of worship. As one goes around the country, the consumption and use of makhanas varies significantly. People in north Bihar, for example, eat the seed popped, but in Manipur, the leaves and stem of the Makhana are cooked and eaten in vegetable curry.
Makhanas are available in a variety of quality on the market. The size and colour of the lava determine the Makhana’s quality. Lawa or Rasgulla, Murra or Samundha, and Thurri are the three grades of Makhana after polishing. Makhanas are a popular choice for keeping a healthy lifestyle due to its health advantages and nutritional content.
HISTORY OF MAKHANA
The state of Bihar produces the most makhanas in India. Makhanas are made from Lotus seeds. Lotus flowers generate seed pods with roughly 20 seeds that mature in around 40 days. The seeds are then dried and roasted at high heat. The white puffs are revealed when the outer black shell splits. These seeds are known as Makhanas.
POPULARITY OF MAKHANA
Due to their excellent nutritional content, fox nuts have grown highly popular in recent years. Many celebrities have also spoken out about fox nuts and why they consume them. For an energy boost, international celebrities take them as a noon or post-workout snack. The popularity of makhana has risen dramatically as a result of this.
It’s also convenient to get your hands on and makes a fantastic snack. It’s low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt, making it a terrific snack while staying in shape. They’re easy to transport, make a fantastic Tiffin choice, and are a pleasant snack to satisfy hunger.
They’re also surprisingly simple to make, and a tasty dish can be whipped up in no time.
Makhanas were previously underappreciated. As people have grown more health concerned, Makhana has garnered new appeal in recent years. People are rediscovering the once-forgotten food because of its nutritious qualities. Makhanas of many varieties may also be found at supermarkets. They’re a great snack for a quick energy boost during fasts because of their high fibre content.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Veganism is becoming increasingly popular not only in the West but also in India. Veganism forbids the consumption of animal-based foods such as meat, dairy, fish, eggs, and so on. A plant-based diet is another term for a vegan diet. Vegans frequently fall short of their daily dietary requirements, despite being a fantastic choice. However, they are frequently deficient in vital vitamins, minerals, and proteins. In the long term, this can lead to deficiency-based health problems. This is where makhanas may step in and fill the void.
Makhanas are high in phosphorus, protein, calcium, magnesium, fibre, and zinc, among other nutrients. They’re an excellent fit for a vegan diet. They are also gluten-free, unlike typical components like barley and wheat.
Vegans frequently have to hunt for a suitable snacking choice. Makhana is a delicious vegan snack to satisfy those unexpected hunger cravings. These low-calorie almonds are a terrific way to indulge without feeling guilty.
Makhanas Nutritional Facts
Makhanas are high in fibre, which aids in the maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal system. It also contains potassium, which helps to maintain heart health by regulating cholesterol levels. Despite their diminutive size, fox nuts are a nutritious powerhouse. Snacking on them may provide you with several health advantages, including improved skin, weight control, heart health, hormonal balance, and so on.
Health Benefits of Makhana
1. Keeps Kidneys in Good Shape
Makhana maintains kidney function by regulating urine and managing blood flow.
They cleanse and purify the spleen. It aids in the removal of all poisons from the body.
2. Maintain a healthy heart
Magnesium, protein, calcium, and carbs are all abundant in Makhana.
Fox nuts are also low in salt and fat, which helps to keep blood pressure in check.
3. Liver Detoxification
Our liver cleanses our bodies by removing all waste.
Makhanas aid in the healthy functioning of the liver and improve metabolism.
4. Beneficial to Diabetic Patients
Makhana aids in the control of blood sugar levels.
They have low calorie and glycaemic indices, which assist diabetics keep their blood sugar levels in check.
5. Strengthen Bones
Makhana are calcium-rich vegetables. Calcium strengthens your bones and cartilage, lubricates your bones and joints, and protects you from degenerative bone disorders.
To strengthen your bone health and density, eat fox nuts with milk every day.
6. Loss of weight
Makhana are low in cholesterol and calories, so they can help you stay in shape.
Fox nuts, unlike other fried or packaged snack alternatives, do not contribute to weight gain.
7. Hormonal Harmony
Makhana aids in the maintenance of hormonal balance in the body.
Makhanas assist to keep cravings in check and reduce overeating during menstruation.
They also aid in the treatment of premenstrual symptoms.
8. Maintains the digestive system’s health
Fibre is required by our bodies for optimal digestion. Makhanas are high in fibre, which helps to keep the digestive tract running smoothly. Include fox nuts in your regular diet if you have digestive issues like constipation or firm stools.
9. Beneficial to Fertility
Our bodies’ hormonal equilibrium is maintained by Makhanas. They are beneficial to female fertility and guarantee that all female reproductive systems are working properly. The eating of makhanas on a regular basis improves female reproductive health.
10. It Helps to Prevent Inflammation
Makhanas contains a chemical known as ‘kaempferol,’ which helps to reduce inflammation in the body. The usage of fox nuts on a regular basis can aid in the treatment of inflammation.
11. Assists in the prevention of ageing
Makhana are high in antioxidants and amino acids, which help to slow down the ageing process.
Makhanas contain antioxidants that assist to keep the skin healthy and radiant.
Conclusion
Makhanas are an all-in-one snack. They are high in critical nutrients and have several health advantages. These little nuts make an excellent snack and are ideal for satisfying those mid-day hunger pangs. Though Makhanas are fantastic, they might have negative side effects such as allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and so on. If you have a sensitive stomach, you should be cautious about ingesting too many makhanas.
If you want to lose weight rapidly, don’t eat makhanas instead of your major meals. Your ability to lose or gain weight is determined by your general lifestyle. Consume fox nuts in moderation. Be active and exercise on a regular basis.
Makhanas are fun to play around with, and you could just come up with your own perfect snack dish.