What is Fox Nut or Makhana and where can this Superfood be found?

We all know about the beautiful Lotus Flower, but did you know that it can offer much more than its beauty? Do you know that even the seeds of this flower are so beautiful for the body? These seeds are considered a superfood. Yes, you heard it right. The very popular Makhana comes from the seeds of this beautiful flower. It not only has numerous health benefits but it can also be used in numerous ways to fit into our daily recipes.

Grown in large quantities in the Indian state of Bihar, in Korea and Japan, and in some parts of eastern Russia. This seed-based superfood is rich in protein and fiber and low in fat. They are also a very good source of calcium. You can add makhanas to your curry, and desserts or just munch it as an in-between-meal snack. It will curb your hunger pangs and reduce your cravings for binge eating.

Makhana / Fox Nut’s history, cultural reference, and benefits:

Makhanas are also known as fox nuts, Euryale ferox, lotus seeds, gorgon nuts and phool makhana. Many people in different regions across the country use these seeds as an offering to the Gods, especially during Navratri. Roast it without salt or using sendha namak (rock salt/Himalayan salt) and you have a perfect food during your fasting. The fox nuts or makhanas have been used in Chinese medicine for 3000 years. Has an important place in Ayurveda.

What makes Fox Nut or Makahana a Superfood?

Let us go through some amazing health benefits of the aquatic cash crop:

This superfood is neither a vegetable nor a fruit, but a healthy edible seed. There is no doubt that it has surprising health benefits if consumed daily. But make sure to consume a handful of these magical seeds. Please do not fry it if you really want to enjoy its benefits.

Nutrition from the Superfood:

• Natural Detoxifying Agent – It acts as a natural detoxifying agent. It helps in flushing out all the toxins from the spleen. It also helps detoxify by recycling red blood cells and storing white blood cells along with platelets.
• Good source of Protein – Fox nut is rich in proteins that are very important for the growth and development of our body. A bowl full of these amazing seeds can provide you with enormous energy and also keep your calorie meter down.

Superfood benefits for your Body:

• Supports bone health: The calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in Makhana may help to support bone health and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
• Good for Diabetic People – It is best as a snack for diabetics because it has a low glycemic index ( GI ).
• Good for Kidneys – This seed has rich astringent properties, providing your body with all the essential nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the kidneys.

Fox Nut’s super Lifestyle Benefits

• Reduce Stress: Contains the amino acid L-theanine, which helps in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Beneficial for weight loss – If you are planning for weight loss, this seed is very beneficial for your weight loss journey. As it is rich in fiber, it keeps you full for a longer period of time and thus prevents you from taking in the extra calories.
• Beneficial for skin – Fox nuts are rich in antioxidants and therefore they make for great anti-aging food. Eating a handful of roasted fox nuts every day can keep your skin glowing and soft.

This Superfood helps in Disease Prevention:

• Prevents Liver Diseases – There are some natural compounds in Makhanas that help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and ultimately help prevent fatty liver disease and improve liver function.
• Prevents inflammation – Phool makhana has anti-inflammatory properties. Makhana contains a natural flavonoid called kaempferol, which helps with inflammation in the body.
• Reason for a Healthy Heart – Makhanas helps to regulate the cholesterol levels and therefore reduces the risk of heart stroke and other cardiac diseases. Thus, acting as a superfood for the Heart.
• Beneficial for females – It is also a superfood for women with fertility issues. It may help to increase the quality of semen and therefore help a woman to conceive better. Besides, eating makhana is beneficial for pregnant women, who are at a higher risk of hypertension and gestational diabetes. 

Do not go overboard with this Superfood:

With all its health benefits, it can still have certain side effects that need to be considered:

• Overconsumption of makhana may lead to constipation and bloating.
• Some people may suffer allergies and gastrointestinal issues after eating makhanas.
• A spike in insulin levels may lower blood sugar levels tremendously in patients with diabetes. We should avoid excessive intake.

Conclusion

Fox Nuts or Makhana or Phool Makhana is one food with multiple names and a plethora of health benefits. Often used during fast and it is a healthy alternative to other high-calorie snacks. You can use it in desserts, kheer, raita, snacks, Indian curries etc, and enjoy its benefits.

Some useful links for Superfood:

Use this link to my blog for one other Superfood, that you will find interesting:

And, here is one recipe for you, will upload some more amazing recipes for this superfood very soon:

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu…