Makhana (Lotus Seeds) - Healthy Benefits & Nutritional Fact

Makhana is a very good plant-based source of protein, often referred to as fox nuts or lotus seeds. In India, people usually consume it during fast or even use it as an ingredient in Indian sweet dishes and cuisines.

However, it is widely cultivated in Asia and often utilized in traditional medicines to cure several conditions. For instance, kidney problems, chronic diarrhea, and hypofunction of the spleen.

Indeed, makhana is a healthy substitute for popcorn. Roasted makhanas are an ideal evening teatime snack and a perfect lunchtime option for school kids.

But, most people are unaware of its health benefits and nutritional value. It is advisable to add makhana to your daily diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle and is easily available in the market at a reasonable price.

What is the Origin of Makhana (Fox Nuts)?

Makhana is a plant-based seed cultivated from the Euryale ferox plant. However, the plant is cultivated for its white, starchy edible seeds in lowland ponds throughout Asia. Bihar is the leading producer of makhana.

The seed is derived from seed pods and every pod contains 20 seeds that mature within 40 days. Then, the seed will be dried and roasted on a lower flame. After that, the outer seed shell breaks, and the white puffs pop out.

Is Makhana Good for Vegans?

A vegan diet is a rising trend nowadays all over the world. Veganism is a way of living that seeks to stop all sorts of exploitation and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, and any other purpose.

A vegan diet is a strict plant-based diet. No doubt veganism is an ideal way to stop cruelty against animals, but vegans often fall short of daily consumption of nutrients. It may lead to a weak immune system or maybe a health disorder in the long term.

Makhanas is a plant-based seed packed with nutrients like phosphorus, protein, calcium, magnesium, fiber, zinc, etc., which helps to enhance a healthy lifestyle. Undoubtedly, makhana is a perfect evening time snack for vegans, and they are also gluten-free.

Nutrition Packed in Makhanas

Undoubtedly, makhana is an ideal and rich source of plenty of essential nutrients and can be easily added to a regular diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It contains a good amount of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Even studies indicate that potassium helps in managing cholesterol levels and keeps the heart healthy.

Lotus seeds are small, but surely it is considered a superfood. Munching makhana on an evening snack time surely gives you some amazing health benefits like clear skin, helps in weight loss, healthy rate, hormonal balance, and so on.

One cup of 100-gram makhana contains

3. Support Weight Loss

If you wish to shed some pounds, then you may consider adding makhana to your daily diet because it is an ideal way to consume protein and siber - two essential nutrients that may benefit weight loss. Food items that contain low glycemic index reduce food cravings and help regulate your appetite, eventually leading to weight loss. Based on the research, the consumption of extra fiber content food helps to reduce belly fat, eventually increasing weight loss.

4. Contains Anti-aging Properties

Studies indicate that specific compounds found in Makhana could help improve the anti-aging effects. It contains several amino acids known for their anti-aging properties. Eating one ounce of makhana bowl can reduce anti-aging effects on the skin and make your skin look younger. However, the makhana contains antioxidants, making them ideal for a better digestive system and promoting skin health.