These are very small to look at, but they are very big when it comes to their health benefits. Some of the health benefits of Makhana are:
1. Minerals and Nutrients
Makhana is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals, manganese, thiamine, nutrients and phytochemicals. It is an excellent fasting food as the body is deprived of all of these minerals and essential nutrients when fasting and when ingested to break the fast it re-energizes the body.
2. Weight Loss
Makhana is high in fiber and low in calories. Due to the fiber content, it keeps you full for longer and since it is low in calories, you can easily snack on the sweet balls as a snack. It increases metabolism and thus increases weight changes to a greater extent.
3. Low glycemic index
Lotus seeds have a low glycemic index compared to most high-carb foods like rice, bread, etc. This property makes this food an excellent choice for those who are health conscious.
4. Anti-inflammatory
Fox nuts are also rich in flavonoids. Flavonoid is a natural chemical that helps reduce the risk of inflammation.
5. Kidney Health
Lotus seeds regulate blood flow as they have astringent properties. When blood flow is properly regulated, kidney function is facilitated and frequent urination is also avoided, improving kidney health.
6. Gluten Free
High in protein and gluten free, they’ll keep you energized throughout the day. Vegetarians get a good amount of protein.
7. Helps with digestion
Because Makhana is high in fiber, it promotes proper digestion and helps absorb all nutrients. As a result, the excretory system is better cared for, thus reducing the risk of constipation.
8. Regulates blood pressure
Lotus seeds flush excess water and sodium from the body. It has the right balance of sodium and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. They contain calming properties that also help regulate blood pressure.
9. Heart Health
Studies suggest that regular consumption of Makhana helps in healing from myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury, which is a heart disease. This means that the seeds help strengthen the heart and support the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. As mentioned, it also helps in maintaining blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of stroke as well!
10. Respiratory system
Fox nuts help rejuvenate the airways. It helps clear the airways and reduce mucus build-up on the walls of the lungs, helping to maintain a good respiratory system.
11. Pregnant women
Makhana is the vegetarian source of protein, magnesium, phosphorus and many other necessary minerals and nutrients that are essential for the proper development of the baby, giving the expectant mother a complete package of all these essential nutrients and antioxidants. Therefore, pregnant women can very well snack on makhana by roasting it or adding it to their curries or preparing kheer.
12. Stress Relief
Fox nuts have stress-relieving properties. It improves neurotransmission and helps produce the right amount of hormones and neurotransmitters, making it a natural stress reliever.
13. Prevents muscle contraction
Muscle contractions often lead to muscle spasms. The presence of potassium and magnesium in Makhana helps reduce and prevent these muscle contractions, reducing muscle spasms. They also help maintain muscle elasticity, so consuming Makhana helps strengthen muscles and have good muscle tone.
14. Diabetic food
High in fiber and protein, low in calories and glycemic index, an appropriate ratio of sodium and potassium make it an excellent food for diabetics. You can consume this food without fear of elevated blood sugar levels, but consuming excessive amounts is not recommended.
15. Prevents diarrhea
The high amount of caustic quality in Makhana helps stop persistent diarrhea and improves appetite.
16. Improves immunity
Makhana helps to detoxify the body and regulate the proper production of RBCs, WBCs and platelets in the blood. These are known to fight infection and ensure good health by removing foreign objects from the body. So it improves immunity.
17. Brain Health
The thiamine content in Makhana is helpful in maintaining healthy cognitive function of the nerves. It also contributes to the production of acetylcholone, which is essential for neurotransmission. This means that it improves brain health and improves memory.
18. Fertility
Studies have shown that consuming Makhana increases sperm quality and quantity in men and increases fertility in women. It also fights erectile dysfunction.
Thanks to Bhargavi Jalluri
