Makhana khaana toh banta hai

Indian superfood list is never ending and this superfood is something you can snack on guilt-free, anytime and anywhere. Whether you are binge watching your favourite show or travelling quite often, snacking is something one is always looking forward to.  But you always end up eating a big packet of deep fried chips or other junkies likewise. To avoid that, you can eat this superfood instead, with umpteen health benefits, as crunchy as your chips and an amazing taste as well. Fox nuts, popularly known as ‘Makhana’ has long been there in our pantries and now it has gained popularity all over the world.

Everyone is talking about it, so why not we know more about this Desi Superfood!

Did you know?

Makhana also called Lotus seeds are a part of our national flower, Lotus. The extraction of these are not an amateur’s task, the process is quite lengthy and difficult. One has to be quite a pro to harvest these seeds. They are majorly found in India but are also grown in Korea, Russia and Japan. The Chinese have been using it as a medicine for years.

Health Facts:

High in Protein: Fox nuts have been consumed by our moms during their fasts always.  This is because it is rich in protein and has a low glycaemic index which release sugars in the blood slowly which eventually helps in keeping your belly full. They also raise your energy levels and can keep you going for the day.

Weight loss: Similarly, they can help you in a weight loss too as they keep your hunger pangs at bay and also they are low in calories so you can easily eat them and not worry about any weight gain. They are rich in potassium and magnesium and low in sodium, making it an ideal weight loss snack.

Anti-ageing properties: Yes! Fox nuts can help you look younger as they are rich in antioxidants. A bowl full of fox nuts can help your skin glow and prevents wrinkles, so make sure to eat them daily. It is also said to prevent white hair and premature ageing as well.

Improves Digestion: They are foods rich in fibre and hence they are said to be a good agent of digestion and keeps constipation away. It acts like a detoxifying supplement and prevents any accumulation of toxins in the body keeping it clear and healthy.

Reduces inflammation: They have anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent most common diseases like arthritis, diabetes and heart diseases. It is also said to be good for diabetic patients because it manages blood sugar levels and has good saturated fats.

Astringent properties: It also contains astringent properties which can prevent and cure diarrhoea and also prevent any kidney ailments.

Improves fertility: It acts as an aphrodisiac food, it improves fertility rates. It also helps women suffering from infertility problems and other similar problems for both male and female. It also contains calcium and iron which is said to be a good snack for pregnant women.

Relieves stress and hypertension: If you want to get rid of stress, fox nuts are for you! They have high potassium and low sodium which ultimately helps people calming their mind and getting rid of hypertension. It also helps in prevention of insomnia.

How to consume:

The perfect way to eat Makhana is to roast them in a spoon full of desi ghee and sprinkle some salt and pepper on the top and you are good to go! It can serve as an amazing chai-time snack as well. But not to forget, there are a lot of savoury dishes which can be made with fox nuts. They are used to make sweets, puddings, curries or in rice preps too. They can also be an addition to your salads and soups to make them healthier.

Some recipes you can try with Makhana:

Makhane ki Sabji: https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Lotus-Seed-Curry.html

Phool Makhane ki Kheer:https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Phool-Makhane-Ki-Kheer-Sirf-30-minute-FoodFood.html

Makhane ki Barfi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4uG65fGE7c

Makhana Pulao:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woijPeZHqm4