Fox Nuts: A Powerhouse of Health for Women!

By Ruchi Sharma

Continuing the legacy of superfoods, today we bring forth a food which has started gaining a lot of popularity in recent times- that is Makhanas! Makhanas are also known as ‘Fox Nuts’ or ‘Lotus Seeds’. They are particularly very nutritious and their benefits exceed the thoughts. Eating healthy is really important in today’s times and people have gotten even more conscious what to eat. Women in particular need to take extra care of their diet and the goodness of superfoods can help them in absorbing the daily requirement of nutrition naturally. Our previous blog on Superfood Methi also covered how women can benefit from it! Though we are sure you enjoyed delicious Makhane ki kheer and roasted makhanas in fasts, after knowing about the goodness of this superfood, we hope you incorporate it in your daily diet. Delicious, economical, wholesome, healthy and yet easy to prepare, what else can one want? Here are some of the amazing facts about Phool Makhana:

1. Ideal Snack for Mid-meals or Weight Loss

The evening or midnight cravings are one of the biggest reasons behind the increased weight! Makhanas make you feel fuller due to the presence of fiber and being low in cholesterol and sodium content, it is perfect for the in-between meals snack. Moreover, it is gluten free, has high carbohydrates and is very low in calories, so these are an added advantage.

2. Very Rich in Nutrients

The humble looking Makhanas are actually power packed with nutrients. They are an amazing source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, Vitamin B1 etc. In short, their nutritional values come from its high fiber content, low glycemic index and low calories!

Pic source: Indiamart

3. Good for Skin and Hair

They are super rich in antioxidants. They have Kaempferol that can help fight inflammation and harmful free radicals. This in turn can help in wrinkle reduction and slow down the aging process. It can also help in reducing hair loss and premature graying of hair. The anti-ageing enzyme also helps in repairing damaged proteins.

4. Healthy Heart

High magnesium and low sodium content is also beneficial for the heart as it may help in decreasing blood pressure in hypertension patients. Being low in cholesterol and saturated fats, it is a good snack option for people suffering from cardiovascular issues.

5. Strengthening the Bones

Makhanas have a good amount of calcium in them which is excellent for strengthening the bones. Women particularly face loss of bone density after their 30s, so it is an excellent natural source for them. You can even try mixing it with moringa powder or curry leaves powder or sesame seeds powder to further enhance the calcium content. It can provide relief from joint pain to people suffering from arthritis.

6. During Pregnancy

They can help in enhancing the development of the fetus due to the presence of high levels of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Also, the problem of fatigue which one often faces during pregnancy can be resolved as the high content of micro-nutrients would ensure that you feel energized throughout the day. Though Makahnas are considered safe during pregnancy but do consult your doctor once before including them in your diet.

7. Insomnia

A handful of makanas can help in improving your sleep patterns and reducing stress levels.

8. Digestive Health

High fiber content is beneficial in improving digestive health and can even help towards keeping away constipation. Ayurvedic beliefs also suggest that the astringent properties in them can benefit the kidneys.

9. Cognitive Function of Nerves

Being rich in Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and antioxidants, it can help in maintaining the cognitive function of nerves.

Pic source: Amazon

Things to Take Care of While Consuming Makhana

Though there are literally no cases of allergies due to Makhana but you should totally avoid consuming them if you have an allergy.

Makahnas may very rarely but sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues or spike in insulin levels.

Also, too much consumption of Makhanas can lead to bloating and constipation.

How you can consume them:

1. Substitute for Popcorn

When you roast the makahans or fry them in a little ghee or butter, they resemble the texture of popcorn. A perfect snack for family movie time too! Time to dump the processed food and adopt healthy eating habits!

2. Kheer

The infamous makhane ki kheer is not only a delicious dessert but it is also one of the most common sweets you can have during fasts!

3. Raw or Toasted Snack

They are perfect substitutes for unhealthy potato chips or fried snack cravings. You can either consume them raw directly from the packet or toast them and sprinkle some salt and pepper over them for added texture and taste. You can also try out this recipe of toasted and roasted masala nuts!

4. As a paste

A paste made of makhana is a key ingredient in many Chinese and Japanese desserts.

Makhana's versatility goes beyond snacks and extends to different recipes including main dishes and desserts.

In short, Makhanas are a perfect substitute for junk food that not only satisfy your snack cravings but at the same time bring forth multitude of benefits for your health! Time to make it a permanent member of your pantry!

(You can also read this Blog in Hindi here)