Makhanas

Coming from Indian households we know how much makhanas mean to us, they are the perfect snacking option when we want to munch on something but it also better be healthy. They hold an extremely high nutritional value and are very versatile as they can be used in sweet and savory dishes. 

Makhanas are also commonly known as lotus seeds or fox nuts, today we will not only share the incredible benefits of consuming makhanas but we will also share some easy peasy recipes that you can make at home. 

Lotus seeds aka makhanas are low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, which makes them good for the heart. Lotus seeds are also extremely good sources of magnesium, potassium, manganese, protein, and phosphorus. 

Benefits Of Consuming Makhanas

After talking about makhanas in brief, let us give an in-depth look into how beneficial these are. Here are all the benefits of makhanas. 

Helps in weight loss

Makhanas are enriched with a sufficient amount of protein and are a power-packed protein, they keep you full for a longer time and can help you in overeating. 

Makhanas make the best low calorie snacks, they help you in losing weight, they also have less saturated fats in them which makes them extremely nutritious and healthy.

Improves heart health

Makhanas are low on sodium and have a high amount of potassium in them. High potassium helps in decreasing blood pressure levels among patients who have hypertension. Makhanas also have high magnesium present in them that helps in significantly improving the quality of blood and oxygen in the body.

Improves bone strength

A lot of people do not know that makhanas are rich in calcium which is an important mineral for our bone health. A sufficient intake of calcium on a regular basis is important to maintain bone strength and keep our bones healthy and active for the long run. Makhanas play an important role in strengthening our bones and providing our body with enough calcium.

Has Anti-ageing properties

Makhanas contain a natural flavonoid called kaempferol which will help you slow down the aging process, not only this but they also help in fighting harmful toxins in the body. These flavonoids help in keeping away the early signs of aging such as hair loss, greying of hair, and wrinkles, so continue consuming makhanas and have beautiful and everlasting skin.

Helps in controlling blood sugar levels

Makhanas are a rich source of good carbohydrates and protein, not only this but they have a significantly lower glycemic index than most of the several staple foods and helps in controlling blood sugar levels of the body.

However, people should always remember that makhanas must be eaten in the right quantity to control blood sugar levels, overeating makhanas can lead to various problems. 

Improves  digestive health

Makhanas are inbuilt with a very high fiber content which makes them an extremely important part of our digestive health. Adding them to your regular diet will help you in keeping your indigestion and constipation at bay.

Makhanas are also rich in antioxidant properties which help in improving the entire respiratory system. They also aid in the prevention of excessive and frequent urination.

Improves cognitive function

Lotus seeds aka makhanas have high thiamine content which helps in sustaining the cognitive function of the nerves. Eating these nuts also helps in the generation of acetylcholine. 

Easy Makhana Recipes 

After talking about all the benefits that makhanas have on our body now let us get into some of the easiest yet delicious and healthy recipes that you can prepare at your home. 

Roasted makhanas 

Eating makhanas without roasting can be tough as they can get chewy, however, you can always dry roast them and add your favorite seasoning for example peri-peri or garlic seasoning, anything you like. 

Here is how you can roast makhanas 

Take a handful of makhanas, add any oil of your choice and roast them for a low flame for 5 minutes. Keep stirring them so that they don't burn while they are roasting, add your favorite seasoning and enjoy them warm or cold as you like. 

Makhanas are very versatile. You can add milk, a natural sweetener, and dry fruits and make a sweet dish out of it or you can add makhanas into an Indian gravy to make a savory dish. 

Makhanas also go well in a salad and can add the perfect salty, crunch flavor to any dish. 

Side Effects of Makhanas 

While makhanas are extremely healthy for us there might be some side effects to them too. Here are a few side effects of makhanas.

• Allergies: a lot of people have lotus seed allergies. If you feel any allergy symptoms upon consuming makhanas, then we would suggest you contact your doctor and refrain from having makhanas in the future. 
• Anti-Arrhythmic: Makhanas are known to be anti-arrhythmic in nature a person undergoing treatment for arrhythmia should consult their doctor before consuming makhanas.

Take Away 

Makhanas are an extremely healthy and great source of calcium, protein, and other vital nutrients. We would recommend you all to add a few makhanas to your diet and you will definitely notice a change in your weight and hunger strikes.