You might have come across white fluffy puffs at your home. These puffs are none another than fox nuts which have numerous other names like makhanas, Euryale Ferox, gorgon nuts, lotus seeds, and phool makhana. These nuts are majorly grown in Bihar and Manipur when concerned with India. Other countries like Korea, China, Japan, and Russia are also into the farming of the fox nuts.
Interestingly, they are part of lotus flower’s stem. The stems are cut and the seeds which appear green at first are collected and processed further by frying that turns into the real white-colored makhana. Superfood fox nuts have high protein, carbohydrates, and fiber content. The most amazing thing about them is that they contain very low fat content. So, they are the best choice for health-conscious people. Lately, they have become a popular snack food and also part of some delicious Indian cuisines. This is all because of their crunchy taste (when they get roasted) and loads of nutritional value.
Check out these 10 Superb Health Benefits of Fox Nuts!
1. Good for Heart
Fox nuts contain a high quantity of glycosides in them that gives them antioxidant properties. Also, they are rich in potassium and magnesium but low amount of sodium. This in turn justifies that the heart patients must have a good intake of these lotus seeds. They help to lower the blood pressure and the cholesterol level as they have negligible fats in them. They definitely help to reduce the risk of heart diseases like arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia. Due to the high content of magnesium, they help to improve the flow of oxygen and blood in the body and can prevent the risk of heart attacks too.
2. Role of anti-aging agent
These nuts are the most effective anti-aging food due to the presence of abundance anti-oxidants. They contain a flavonoid called kaempferol that helps to decrease the aging effect such as greying of hair, hair loss, acne, and wrinkles. A handful of makhanas every day will surely make you look young and make your skin healthy and glow. But you should ensure that must not always be consumed as a fried snack.
3. Help in weight-loss
Are you planning to put down weight? Eat fox nuts and see its magical effect. Makhanas have low calorie and saturated fats which make them a perfect weight-loss snack. The presence of the right amount of protein won’t make you feel hungry for a long time after you eat these healthy snacks. With this, you can control your overeating habit for sure.
4. Make you feel energetic
Fox nuts have the fantastic property of having a low glycemic index (GI). So, they gradually release the energy levels inside your body. Thereby, by default, you stay energetic throughout the day. This property will also make you feel stress-free and you get healthier. Also, if you have a protein deficiency, do eat makhanas daily that will make you fit.
5. Boost the digestive system
The high fiber content and antioxidant properties make fox nuts a crucial part of one’s digestive health. Are you worried about indigestion at times? If you eat makhanas regularly, it will surely help in regular bowel movement. They also play a beneficial role in improving the blood flow to the kidneys and prevent excessive or frequent urination.
Fox nuts are plus point for those who suffer from wheat allergies as Fox nuts are ABSOLUTELY gluten-free!
6. Increase bone strength
Fox nuts are indeed an elite source of calcium and minerals. These puffed cute nuts will improve your bones, reduce the chances of getting bone injuries, and also fight diseases like osteoporosis. They are also used to combat the effect of arthritis and are one of the traditional remedies for it.
7. Control blood sugar level
These small nuts are a blend of the high amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and low amount of glycemic. This fact makes them suitable to manage one’s blood sugar levels. It is interesting to note that the fibrous content in makhanas helps to release the carbs slowly in the intestines. This significantly helps to avoid a postprandial spike in the blood sugar levels. They are the very right food to have for someone who has to fight diabetes and obesity.
8. Act as detoxifying agents
Fox nuts act as super agents to flush out the harmful toxins from the body. Do you know about Spleen? Spleen functions to filter the blood and removes damaged RBCs. Lotus seeds play an important role in detoxifying the spleen and solving its issues, which in turn helps to detox the blood. Also, through this, it will improve the entire respiratory system. Moreover, it will also reduce the problems linked with insomnia.
9. Prevent fertility issues
Makhanas are aphrodisiac in nature and are considered as a prime element to improve the fertility rates in females and semen count in males. In females, issues of irregular periods can also be solved by eating these nuts daily. Also, they are natural hydrants, consuming these regularly will help your body to keep moisturized.
10. Improve nerve functioning
Lotus seeds do contain high amount thiamine content. So, the consumption of makhanas will help you to sustain the cognitive function of the nerves in a much better way. Makhanas also helps to generate acetylcholine, and thus, they contribute in the process of neurotransmission.
There are few side effects of these lotus seeds if you consume them excessively and also can trigger allergies in people. But seeing their considerable intake, makhanas are common to eat during the fasting period. The most common recipe is to roast in ghee/oil and adding some haldi, masalas, pepper, chilli, and salt. Otherwise, you can also try making sumptuous recipes like makhana masala chaat, curry, kheer, tikki, and so on.
Makhanas are recommended dietary supplement by many dieticians and you can easily buy them from your nearby grocery store. They have a great shelf life and thereby can be stored for months in an air-tight jar. Make sure that you keep them away from direct sunlight and also away from moist places. So, grab some fox nuts and turn fit as a fiddle!