The Ultimate Guide to the Superfood Makhana

Hi there, and welcome to the ultimate guide to Makhana, the superfood that has taken over the healthy eating community. Makhana fox nuts or lotus seeds are crunchy and tasty and have numerous health benefits that make them a superfood. These are tiny seeds that have been used in Indian cuisine for generations but are slowly becoming famous all over the world for their nutritional value and uses in the kitchen. If you are a fitness freak or want to include more healthy foods in your diet, then Makhana is a perfect pick. In this guide, you will find out all the information about Makhana that is necessary for a modern person: its history, composition, health benefits, and tasty recipes.

Makhana is not only tasty but also very useful in many ways. It has a rather bland taste, which makes it suitable for use in both sweet and salty foods. It can be eaten as a snack food, used in soups and salads, or in Indian sweets such as kheer and ladoos. Here, you will find all the information about Makhana – its health benefits, nutritional value, and how it can be used in cooking. Well, let's start by finding out why Makhana should be on your shelf and how you can use this incredible superfood!

What is Makhana?

Makhana or fox nuts or lotus seeds are a crunchy snack originating from India and are slowly making their way to the international markets. The seeds are obtained from the Euryale Fox plant that is found in India and China. Makhana is known as a dry fruit and the English meaning of Makhana is fox nut, these white seeds are tasty as well as nutritious.

Nutritional Profile of Makhana

Makhana is a nutrient-dense food, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. Let's look at the nutritional value per 100 grams of Makhana:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 77 grams
• Protein: 9.7 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Fibre: 7.6 grams

Makhana is low in fat and high in protein and carbohydrates, making it an excellent snack for energy and satiety. Makhana is very low in calories, a cup of Makhana contains approximately 100 calories. Also, the calorie content of Makhana is moderate; one bowl of Makhana is approximately 50 calories.

Organic Makhana vs. Regular Makhana

When selecting Makhana, there are organic and normal types that can be found in the market. Organic Makhana is cultivated using no synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which makes it better for people who are very sensitive to chemicals in foods. While both the variants of Makhana are healthy, going for the organic variant will give you the best clean version of the product.

Health Benefits of Makhana

Is Makhana good for health? Absolutely! Makhana offers numerous health benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Makhana is packed with antioxidants that are useful in combating free radicals and the consequent oxidation in the body.
2. Supports Heart Health: Makhana has low fat and high magnesium content, which are beneficial to the heart as they help control pressure and cholesterol levels.
3. Aids in Weight Loss: Makhana has high protein content and is low in calories, which makes it possible to take it for some time to feel full; hence, it can be used to manage weight.
4. Beneficial for Diabetics: Makhana has a low glycemic index. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetic patients because it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
5. Good for Digestion: Makhana is rich in fibre, and thus, it helps with easy digestion and prevents constipation.
6. Anti-Ageing Properties: Makhana is beneficial for skin health as it contains antioxidants that can help decrease the signs of ageing by preventing the skin cells from getting damaged.
7. Suitable for Babies: The advantages of Makhana include easy digestion and the fact that it contains nutrients that are vital for growth and development.

Makhana: Hot or Cold for the Body?

Makhana is said to be an aching food, which implies that it does not have a hot or cold effect on the body. This makes it ideal for consumption in all seasons of the year without any impact on the body's temperature.

Culinary Uses of Makhana

Makhana is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. Here are some popular ways to enjoy Makhana:

• Direct Consumption: Is it possible to consume Makhana raw? Yes, you can consume Makhana as it is in its raw form without any preparation, and it is very crispy.
• Roasting: To roast Makhana, take a pan and roast the seeds to make them crispy in nature. You may also add a pinch of salt and some spices for additional flavour.
• Frying: To fry Makhana, heat a little oil in a pan and fry the seeds until they puff up. This method adds a rich flavour but comes with more calories.

Popular Makhana Recipes

1. Makhana Kheer Recipe: Makhana Kheer is a tasty and healthy recipe. To prepare it, fry Makhana in ghee and then cook Makhana with milk, sugar, and cardamom until it becomes thick. The benefits of kheer include the following: It is a good source of calcium and protein.
2. Makhana Ladoo Recipe: Makhana ladoos are sweet balls prepared from roasted Makhana, ghee and jaggery. They are suitable for health and are known to boost energy.
3. Makhana Milk Recipe: Makhana milk is prepared by grinding roasted Makhana in milk with a pinch of honey or sugar. It is a healthy and relaxing beverage.

Tips for Including Makhana in Your Diet

• Storage: To ensure that Makhana remains crunchy and fresh, store it in an airtight container.
• Preparation: It is recommended that Makhana should be roasted or fried before eating to bring out the best taste and feel.
• Incorporation: It can be used as a garnishing for salads, soups, and curries or can be incorporated into the dish for a crunchy feel. It can also be sprinkled on yoghurt or desserts.

White Makhana vs. Regular Makhana

White Makhana is the processed form of Makhana and has a neat look, but the Makhana, which is raw, has its original texture. The nutritional value of both is almost the same, but white Makhana is more popular due to its appearance and slightly less crunch.

Conclusion

Makhana is a super food that should be incorporated in the diet. It has many nutrients, has health benefits and can be used in different ways when preparing food making it suitable for a healthy diet. In a bid to increase your protein intake, maintain your weight, or just indulge in a snack, then Makhana is the best option for you.

Try incorporating Makhana into your meals and experience its benefits firsthand. For a personalised diet and fitness plan, be sure to check out FITFEAST. Happy snacking!