The Makhana is a super healthy snack that used to go unnoticed in supermarket shelves. Now it’s all the rage with India’s health-conscious.
It has been discovered that Makhanas, or fox nuts, are delicious and have many health benefits.
Makhanas can be very useful in dealing with untimely hunger, and they are a great alternative to oily or processed snacks.
Makhanas are a healthy snack that is popular in India because they are low in calories. A cup of plain-roasted makhanas has only 106 calories.
Makhanas have a detoxifying and metabolic effect, which aids in weight loss.
A study found that the Lotus seed could be used to combat obesity-related problems. Researchers are beginning to realize that Lotus seeds can help with weight loss and slow down weight gain in those who eat high-fat foods.
While Makhana is still an uncommon idea for many people, more dieticians are recommending this healthy Indian snack to them.
Health buffs will be enthralled when celebrities and fitness icons swear by Makhanas’ many health benefits. Many people recommend makhanas for post-pregnancy transformations. Adding makhanas to your diet can help you lose weight and keep your glow.
These delicious recipes will help you get started if you are trying to lose weight.
Let’s take a look at makhanas and how they can help you shed weight.
Is Makhana good for weight loss?
Makhanas have a high amount of protein and carbohydrates, as well as low levels of cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Makhana’s nutritional profile helps with weight loss because it makes you feel fuller for longer periods after eating.
Makhana is high in fibre and protein, which are vital for losing weight and cutting calories.
Fibre is slower than simple carbs and provides more energy. High fibre foods can help control your appetite as they expand when they absorb water from the digestive tract. You may find that you eat fewer calories as a result.
A good protein intake is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass and preserving it during weight loss. Protein-rich foods make people feel fuller for longer periods of time.
Makhana (30g or approximately 105kcal) is a good meal substitute despite its high caloric contents. One serving of makhana has fewer calories than the equivalent amount of chips or candy. Makhana can help you lose weight and stop you binge-eating.
Calories in 1 Cup Makhana
One cup of Roasted Makhana or Roasted Lotus Seeds contains 216 calories. Carbohydrates make up 16 calories, while proteins are responsible for 43 calories and fat makes up the remaining 139 calories.
Makhana’s high fibre, low glycemic index and low calories are all key to its nutritional benefits. People looking to lose weight will love Makhana’s low fat content. Here are some makhana nutrition facts you need to be aware of.
QUANTITY | 100 gm |
Calories | 347 |
Protein | 9.7 gm |
Fats | 0.01 gm |
Carbohydrates | 76.9 grams |
Fiber | 14.5 gm |
Total Lipids (Fat). | 0.01 gm |
Calcium | 60 mg |
Iron | 1.4 mg |
Best time for makhana
Makhana, also called fox nuts, is a great snack to have in between meals and at night. They are high protein and low in fat, salt, cholesterol, or sodium. They are gluten-free and suitable for those who are gluten intolerant.
Makhana health benefits
1. Keeps Kidneys Healthy
Makhana regulates blood flow and urine to maintain kidney function.
They cleanse and detoxify your spleen. It flushes out harmful substances.
2. A Sound Heart
Makhana is rich in essential nutrients.
Fox nuts’ low salt and cholesterol content contributes to blood pressure control.
3. Cleanse the Liver
The liver is responsible to cleanse the body by eliminating all waste products.
Makhanas support proper liver function and metabolic health.
4. Diabetic patients will find it beneficial
Makhana supports blood sugar control.
They are good for people with diabetes because they have low glycemic indexes and caloric indexes.
5. Strengthen your bones
Makhana is rich in calcium. Calcium-rich diets offer many benefits, including improved bone and cartilage health and smoother joints.
Regular consumption of fox nuts and milk can increase bone density and strength.
6. Losing Weight
Makhanas are low in calories, cholesterol, and help you to maintain your ideal weight.
Fox nuts are not like packaged snacks or fried foods that can lead to weight gain.
7. Balance Hormones
Makhana helps to maintain your body’s hormonal balance.
Makhanas are a great way to curb your appetite and stop you from binging during menstruation. They are also useful in relieving PMS discomfort.
8. Maintain a healthy digestive system
For healthy digestion, our bodies need fibre. Makhanas have a high dietary fibre level, which ensures that our digestive system functions normally.
Fox nuts can help with constipation and hard stool.
9. Benefits to Fertility
Makhanas regulate hormones.
They are good news for fertility as they ensure that all reproductive organs of a woman are healthy and functional. Women who consume makhanas every day are better for their reproductive health.
10. Minimizes Inflammation
Makhanas are rich in a compound called Kaempferol that helps to reduce inflammation.
To reduce inflammation, fox nuts should be used frequently.
11. Ageing slows down
Makhana is a great way to delay the inevitable due to its high concentrations of anti-ageing amino acids and anti-oxidants.
The anti-oxidants in Makhanas keep your skin healthy and bright.
How to Eat Makhana For Weight Loss?
Makhanas are best used as a mid-day snack if you’re looking to lose weight.
You should not succumb to untimely hunger pangs if you want to lose weight.
Roasted makhanas can be made at home and stored in a sealed container. This is an excellent alternative to snack foods like chips or fried snacks.
Makhana weight loss recipes
Ghee Roasted Makhana
- Place Makhanas in a nonstick skillet and dry roast them over low heat.
- Continue roasting until the makhanas become firm and turn a little brown. This could take anywhere from 7 to 8 minutes.
- Once you are done, switch off the flame. Let the makhanas cool.
- Add two teaspoons of olive oil or ghee to a separate, thick-bottomed saucepan.
- Once the ghee has melted, season it with a pinch salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper.
- Before adding the makhanas, make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients. This will ensure that the flavors stick well with the makhanas. For an extra crunch, you can add white sesame seed.
- Toss the dry-roasted makhanas in the pan. Continue this process until all flavors are well combined.
Healthy Makhana Chivda
- Two tablespoons of ghee should be added to a heavy bottom pan. Next, add two teaspoons of cumin seeds and some finely chopped green chilies to a heavy bottom pan. Finally, add a handful of curry leaves.
- Mix them together for about a minute, then add peanuts.
- After all ingredients have been fried, add some cashews, red chillies and chana daal to the mixture. If you like the flavor of dried coconut, you can add it to the mixture. You can add it as much or little as you like.
- Continue to mix everything until well-flied.
- Salt and turmeric can be added to the mixture according to your preference. You can now add the dry roasted makhanas.
- Roast the makhanas in a bowl until the masala is fully coated. Let it cool down and then place them in an airtight container.
Mint Flavored Makhana
- A refreshing snack for your body in the summer.
- To the saucepan, add the ghee. After the ghee has melted, add some curry leaves and pumpkin seeds to the pan and fry them until golden brown. For flavor, season the dish with a pinch of salt or pepper.
- Add the roasted makhanas and sprinkle with the herbs of your choice.
- Add a teaspoon of mint powder to the mixture and stir until all flavours are well-combined.
Take Away
To get better results, combine Makhanas with a balanced diet and regular exercise. For healthy weight loss, stick to regular healthy meals and avoid crash diets.
It is dangerous to consume too much of any one thing. Avoid excessive makhana consumption as it can cause allergic reactions and stomach problems.
It can help you lose weight if it is taken in the right amounts.
Commonly Asked Questions:
1. Is makhana good to lose weight?
If consumed in the right form and amount, it can aid in weight loss.
2. How many makhanas do I need to eat each day?
You can consume 2-3 tablespoons of makhanas per day.
3. Is it possible to eat makhana with an empty stomach?
If consumed in the right form and amount, it can aid in weight loss.
References:
- Jeong Soon You and Yun Ju Lee. Kyung Soo Kim and Sung Hoon Kim. Kyung Ja Chang. Hypolipidaemic and anti-obesity effects of Nelumbo Nucifera seed extract in human pre-adipocytes.