10 Proven Health Benefits of Makhana (Fox Nuts)


Makhana has replaced popcorn. It is crunchy, tasty, simple to prepare, inexpensive, and healthy.

Makhanas are also known as Euryale Ferox, fox nuts, lotus seeds, gorgon nuts, and Phool makhana. These seeds are commonly used in a variety of Indian sweets and savoury dishes such as kheer, raita, and makhana curry, as well as as an evening tea-time snack.

Makhanas are available in a variety of qualities on the market. The size and colour of the lava determine the quality of the Makhana. After polishing, Makhana is classified into three grades: Lawa or Rasgulla, Murra or Samundha, and Thurri.

The origin of Makhana

The cultivation of Makhana began in Madhubani, a popular Mithilanchal region of Bihar. Makhana was grown here by a poor community of farmers using traditional methods. Makhana seeds and Makhana Pops have spread throughout the country from Madhubani. Makhana has expanded into countries such as Pakistan, Canada, China, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. However, the cultivation of Makhana is primarily limited to Madhubani. Because of the significant increase in demand for Makhana seeds and flakes in the domestic and global markets, the Government of India is encouraging companies to brand and package Makhanas in order to attract untapped markets. The government is assisting farmers in the Madhubani and Darbhanga districts in earning a better living through the cultivation of Makhana.

Makhana is becoming popular

Makhanas were previously underappreciated. Makhana has become more popular in recent years as people have become more health conscious. People are rediscovering the once-forgotten snack for its nutritional value. Makhanas of various varieties can also be found in supermarkets. Because of their high nutritional value, makhanas/fox nuts are becoming extremely popular in recent years

Here are some of the health benefits of eating makhana.


1. Enhance Your Weight Loss

Including makhana seeds in your diet is wonderful to increase your intake of macromolecule and fibre, 2 vital nutrients that will aid in weight loss. Protein, particularly, has been shown to cut back food cravings and aid in appetence regulation. Meanwhile, fibre moves slowly through your epithelial duct, keeping you full throughout the day. In step with some studies, intake of a lot of fibre could also be related to lower belly fat and accrued weight loss. More analysis is required to work out the consequences of makhana on weight loss specifically.

2. Maintains the Digestive System

For proper digestion, our bodies require fibre. Makhanas are high in fibre, which helps the digestive system function properly. Include fox nuts in your daily diet if you have digestive issues such as constipation or hard stools.

3. Reduces the ageing process

Flavonoids, which are found in fox nuts, are also antioxidants. It combats free radicals and slows the ageing process. It benefits your health. Consuming makhana can help prevent ageing signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, and premature greying of hair. So, start eating fox nuts right away.


4. Keep Your Heart Healthy

Makhana contains phytonutrients like alkaloids, saponins, and gallic acid that can protect your body from a variety of diseases. Several studies suggest that low magnesium levels can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Makhana contains a high concentration of magnesium, which is a powerful channel blocker that improves blood flow and oxygen levels, lowering the risk of developing heart disease. Eat a handful of makhana every day to meet your body's magnesium needs.

5. Overcomes infertility

Fox nuts help your body stay hydrated and maintain its water content. This helps to keep the body's secretions moist. It increases both the quantity and quality of sperm. Makhana is also believed to be beneficial to the reproductive system.

6. Avoid Inflammation

Flavonoids, which are secondary metabolites in plants, can benefit human health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease. Consumption of makhanas over time can aid in the regeneration of dead tissues and the treatment of chronic inflammation. Because of their flavonoid content, fox nuts can provide health benefits such as anti-bacterial properties.

7. Maintain normal blood pressure

Fox nuts are high in potassium and low in sodium, making them beneficial for people with high blood pressure. Makhana aids in blood pressure control and is one of the best ways to maintain systolic blood pressure levels.

8. Blood sugar levels may be stabilized

According to studies, makhana may aid in blood sugar management. For example, one animal study found that giving rats with diabetes a supplement containing makhana extract improved blood sugar regulation and increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes. In another animal study, a specific compound isolated from makhana seeds was found to improve blood sugar and insulin levels in diabetic rats. Several other animal studies have found similar results, indicating that makhana extract may improve blood sugar control. However, remember that this research in animals used highly concentrated amounts of makhana extract. As a result, additional research is required to determine how makhana may affect blood sugar levels in humans when consumed in typical amounts.

9. Aids people suffering from arthritis

Makhana has high calcium content. Calcium is essential for bones and teeth. A lack of calcium in your diet can make your bones fragile and weak, increasing your chances of fracture and arthritis. Fox nuts satisfy your body's calcium needs and help patients with arthritis and osteoporosis strengthen their bones.

10. Improve Kidney health

Fox nuts are high in astringent properties and can help prevent kidney problems. A low sodium diet controlled blood pressure, and less stress all contribute to better kidney health. Makhana provides all of these benefits while also improving kidney function. Makhana can also help your body deal with issues like frequent urination, inability to control urine, and kidney failure.

How can you enjoy eating Makhana?

Makhana has a very mild and neutral flavour. Roasting the seeds and seasoning them with herbs and spices like sea salt, turmeric, chilli powder, or black pepper is one of the foremost style ways in which to organize makhana.

Makhana is sold in a variety of speciality stores and online retailers. It can be roasted as a savoury snack or added to a variety of entrées and desserts. Makhana is a type of seed that is widely used in Asia. It's high in antioxidants and micronutrients, which may help slow the ageing process and support heart health, blood sugar management, and weight loss. 

Makhanas are full-fledged snacks. They are high in essential nutrients and have numerous health benefits. These tiny nuts make an excellent snack and are ideal for satisfying mid-day cravings. Though Makhanas are delicious, there are some potential side effects such as allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and so on. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid consuming too many makhanas. 

In order to lose weight quickly, do not replace makhanas with your main meals. Weight gain or loss is determined by your overall lifestyle. Consume fox nuts sparingly. Be physically active and exercise on a regular basis. Makhanas are great for experimenting with, and you might just come up with your own perfect snack recipe. You will not only improve your health by eating makhanas, but you will also help local farmers in the country who are involved in makhana cultivation.


FAQs: 

What are the health benefits of makhanas?

Makhanas aid in bettering digestion and preventing constipation. They are excellent anti-ageing meals due to their high antioxidant content. Additionally, having a few makhanas each day will offer you younger-looking skin. Keep in mind not to eat it as a fried snack.

Enhance Your Weight Loss. Including makhana seeds in your diet is an excellent way to increase your intake of protein and fibre, two important nutrients that may aid in weight loss.

  • Maintains the Digestive System
  • Reduces the ageing process
  • Keep Your Heart Healthy
  • Overcomes infertility
  • Avoid Inflammation
  • Blood sugar levels may be stabilized
  • Aids people suffering from arthritis

Why are makhanas so popular?

Makhanas are ideal for diabetics because they are low in glycemic index, gluten-free, and heavy in carbs. They have kaempferol, a natural flavonoid that is also found in coffee and prevents inflammation and ageing. These seeds' anti-ageing enzyme aids in repairing broken proteins. Makhanas were previously underappreciated. Makhana has become more popular in recent years as people have become more health conscious. People are rediscovering the once-forgotten snack for its nutritional value. Makhanas of various varieties can also be found in supermarkets. Because of their high nutritional value, makhanas/fox nuts are becoming extremely popular in recent years.

Can we eat Makhana daily?

Can a person have makhana every day? Yes, makhanas aid in digestion improvement and prevent constipation. They are excellent anti-ageing meals due to their high antioxidant content. Additionally, having a few makhanas each day will offer you younger-looking skin. 

Every wonderful thing has a cost, and makhanas are no different. Despite their wealth of advantages, makhana's negative effects on the body must also be taken into consideration.

Allergies, stomach issues, and an increase in insulin levels are a few of the negative effects.

Constipation and bloating are additional negative effects of excessive consumption.

Does it aid weight loss? 

Makhana is filling since it contains a lot of protein and fibre. Makhana aids in weight loss hence limiting calorie intake and reducing overeating. In order to reduce or maintain your weight, keep your daily intake of makhana to 30 to 50 g.

In Asia, a particular kind of seed called makhana is very popular. Its abundance of vitamins and antioxidants may improve weight loss, blood sugar control, heart health, and the slowing of ageing.

Makhanas are an excellent substitute for fatty and processed snacks and are especially useful for quelling unexpected hunger sensations.


Is makhana good for the skin?

The inhibitor content of makhana is high, and it additionally contains a variety of amino acids which will slow the ageing method by enhancing skin flexibility and health.

Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin A, and Zn area unit different nutrients found in makhana that area unit essential for avoiding skin disorders. Additionally, to those edges, makhana additionally lessens pigmentation, will increase skin suppleness and imparts a healthy glow to the skin.

The anti-ageing properties of many amino acids and therefore the abundance of antioxidants in makhana. It controls early indications of ageing, tightens the skin, and stops wrinkles. Consequently, it's advantageous for the final health of the skin.