8 Benefits of Makhana for a Healthier You

Whether you eat it as a snack or add it to your culinary experiments, makhana is a nutritional treasure that offers a multitude of health benefits. From being a source of protein and fibre to contributing to your efforts at weight management, makhana benefits the body in several ways. Let’s dive in and uncover the holistic advantages of adding these versatile seeds to your diet.

What is Makhana (Fox Nuts)?

Makhanas are lotus seeds that are known for their nutrient-rich profile and are found in stagnant water bodies. Makhana in English is referred to as fox nuts or prickly water lily and these are light and crunchy seeds that have been a part of traditional Asian and Indian cuisine for hundreds of years. Some of the advantages of makhanas include antioxidant properties and low-calorie content. It is also popularly consumed as a fasting food during Navratri in India.

Makhana Nutritional Value

As mentioned above, makhana boasts a remarkable nutrition profile. Let’s dive deeper and understand the nutritional value of makhana per 100g.

• Protein - 9.7 g
• Fibre - 14.5 g
• Calories - 347
• Calcium - 60 mg
• Iron - 1.4 mg
• Carbohydrates - 76.9 g

10 Advantages of Makhana

For a well-rounded and balanced diet, makhana is a stellar choice. Whether you are looking for a protein boost, better digestion, or weight management, makhanas help elevate your overall well-being. Here are 8 surprising advantages of eating makhana:

1. Helps Manage Weight
2. Controls Blood Pressure
3. Manages Blood Sugar
4. Slows Down Ageing Process
5. Prevents Inflammation
6. Promotes Heart Health
7. Helps with Arthritis
8. Improves Kidney Health
9. Helps with Fertility
10. Cures Insomnia

1. Helps Manage Weight

For those who are aiming to manage their weight effectively, makhana can be an excellent choice. Why? This is because this unassuming lotus seed contains a low-calorie and a high-fibre content, making it an ideal choice to manage weight.

2. Controls Blood Pressure

The rich potassium content in makhana benefits the blood pressure levels. Therefore, including these seeds in your diet can be a heart-healthy choice and help people with blood pressure problems.

3. Manages Blood Sugar

The low glycemic index of lotus seeds benefits your blood sugar levels. Hence, makhanas are a suitable snack for people suffering from diabetes. You can eat them any time as a healthy snack or even use them in drinks and dishes.

4. Slows Down Ageing Process

Another benefit of eating makhana is that these seeds contain anti-ageing enzymes that help maintain a youthful glow. Thus, it is a delicious way to slow down the ageing process and defy time.

5. Prevents Inflammation

Did you know that inflammation is often the root cause of different health conditions? Therefore, the anti-inflammatory properties can act as a natural shield for your body and prevent inflammation.

6. Promotes Heart Health

Due to the presence of magnesium and potassium, makhana benefits our cardiovascular health. These minerals help maintain a healthy rhythm of the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.

7. Helps with Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of makhana benefits people suffering from arthritis. In fact, the regular consumption of fox nuts or makhana can help in managing joint pain and promote better movement.

8. Improves Kidney Health

Makhana is also known for its kidney-friendly nature. The low phosphorus content in makhana benefits people who have kidney issues. Therefore, it can be consumed by individuals with kidney-related concerns.

9. Helps with Fertility

Not many people know the makhana benefits for females that include improving the overall reproductive health. Makhana contains natural compounds that may help regulate hormonal balance, which is a key factor in fertility. Thus, it is a great snack for women suffering from hormonal imbalance.

10. Cures Insomnia

For those who are suffering from insomnia, another benefit of fox nuts is that it can help them with a restful sleep. Due to its calming properties, adding makhana to your diet can contribute to a better night's sleep.

Image: Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Makhana Benefits for Female

Since they are rich in iron content, lotus seeds are extremely beneficial for women suffering from anaemia. Moreover, the presence of essential vitamins and minerals also supports the reproductive health of women of all ages, especially those with an iron deficiency. Some more makhana benefits for females include maintaining a hormonal balance that supports female fertility and overall well-being.

Makhana Benefits for Male

For men who are looking for a wholesome snack that can also be a nutritious ally, fox nuts are an excellent choice. These delicious seeds can support muscle development due to their protein content and help you maintain an active lifestyle. What’s more, the presence of phosphorus and magnesium helps enhance bone health and promotes holistic wellness.