Do you often snack on junk food like chips, French fries, pizzas, and burgers? Let’s be honest here, most of us are for sure guilty of snacking on junk food items, aren’t we?
Well, what if I told you that there is a healthy “snack” alternative out there for you to munch on so you don’t have to feel guilty anymore?
Try out this healthy snack known as makhana or fox nuts, also often called lotus seeds. Makhana can not only be eaten as a snack but also can be added to your meal preparations. It has multiple benefits for health which you can also benefit from.
Here are the benefits of makhana:
- Can help in weight loss
Makhana is rich in protein and is loaded with fiber. When you consume a lot of fiber, it promotes a feeling of fullness in the stomach because fiber passes very slowly through the digestive system. Makhana’s rich protein content will help keep you full and energized while reducing your appetite and food cravings, so as to avoid binge eating or overeating.
- Keeps the body energized
Makhana is known to have a low glycemic index. This means that it releases into the body energy at a slow pace, thus keeping the body energized longer as compared to other types of foods.
- Is loaded with antioxidants
Makhana is loaded with antioxidants and can help boost body immunity and keep away oxidative stress from the body. When there are sufficient antioxidants in the body, it can reduce the body’s risk of developing diseases and can also keep the body protected from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- Can promote better sleep
Makhana is known to have sedative properties. So, if makhana is eaten at the night, it can help give you a better sleep. It is especially beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders.
- Can delay the aging process
Makhana is known to have anti-aging properties, because of the enzymes it contains. These enzymes are very powerful and can help slow down the aging process of the body.
- Can help protect bone health
As we age, our bones begin to get weaker and a lot of people suffer from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other bone-related problems. Makhana contains calcium that can help not only promote better bone health but can also strengthen the bones over time.
Uses of makhana:
- Can be consumed as a savory snack.
- Can be added to curry/gravy vegetable preparations.
- Can be added to sweet dessert preparations like payasam or kheer.
Side-effects of overconsuming makhana:
It is very important to consume any food in moderation. Overconsumption of makhana can have its own share of side effects like allergic reactions in some, can lead to gastric trouble, can cause uneasiness in the stomach leading to constipation. Some people even tend to experience flatulence and stomach bloating after overconsuming makhana.
Caution: For those people who are already consuming prescription medications, it is better to consult a medical professional before consuming makhana.