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Scientifically Proven 6 Health Benefits of Makhana in Pregnancy – Healthy Master

by Bsocial Consultant on Dec 21, 2022

health benefits of eating makhana in pregnancy.

Explaining why should you add makhana in your pregnancy diet and what are health benefits of eating makhana in pregnancy.

When a woman is expecting, there are a few foods that must be on her diet that are beneficial for both the mother-to-be and the fetus. One of such foods is makhana. Makhana, also known as lotus seeds and fox nuts, is packed with vital nutrients that are beneficial for both a mother-to-be and fetus in many ways. It is equally beneficial for lactating mothers. Before heading to the health benefits of makhana, first you must know the vital nutrients that it contains, which make it an important snack for pregnant women. 

Also Read: 5 Health Benefits of Cashews in Pregnancy

Nutritional Values of Phool Makhana During Pregnancy

Makhana, also known as lotus seeds, is loaded with nutrients that are beneficial for a mother-to-be during pregnancy. In lotus seeds or makhana, you will find the following nutrients:

  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin B complexes
  • Amino acid
  • Potassium
  • Antioxidants

The best thing about makhana is that you can eat it in many ways during pregnancy. You can roast it to eat as snacks, or you can add it to soups and sweet dishes like kheer. 

Also Read: 6 Health Benefits of Walnuts in Pregnancy

6 Benefits of Makhana in Pregnancy

When you eat lotus seeds (makhana) during your pregnancy, you enjoy the following health benefits: 

  1. Insomnia Treatment
    During pregnancy, there are chances that you may develop insomnia due to a multitude of factors like hormonal changes, stress, and eating habits. By eating phool makhana during pregnancy, your insomnia condition can improve to some extent, as makhana contains quinoline alkaloids, which induce sleep and have a relaxing effect. 
  2. Diarrhea Prevention
    Another issue that can be easily addressed with the help of lotus seeds is diarrhea. Diarrhoea during pregnancy is common due to changes in hormonal balance. The lotus seed, or makhana, has great medicinal properties that can address the issue of diarrhea. It is recommended to eat lotus seeds in the initial stage of pregnancy as they strengthen the digestive system, allowing food to be processed more easily. As a result, makhana is beneficial during pregnancy because it prevents diarrhea.
  3. Blood Pressure Management
    If you are having blood pressure issues during your pregnancy, you must add makhana to your pregnancy diet to keep the blood pressure under control. The embryos in the lotus seeds are loaded with vitamins, which have a cooling effect on the body. Furthermore, ox nuts have high levels of potassium and magnesium, which enhance blood flow and keep the blood pressure under control. 
  4. Weight Management 
    It is common to gain weight in pregnancy; however, it is equally important to manage the weight. Makhana is good for managing weight during pregnancy because it has a low glycemic index. By having just a few pieces of fox nuts(makhana), you feel full for a long time. Therefore, it is a great healthy and tasty snack that you must add to your pregnancy-friendly diet. 
  5. Promote Fetus Development
    In pregnancy, what you eat not only affects your health but also has a direct effect on the development of the fetus. Makhana is good for pregnant women because it contains more protein. The protein, together with other essential nutrients, helps in the development of the central nervous system of the fetus. 
  6. Boost Energy Levels
    During pregnancy, it is common to feel tired most of the time. Overcoming tiredness can be challenging. However, if you add makhana to your diet, you can prevent fatigue to some extent as it is a rich source of iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, protein, and vitamins. Thus, makhana is good for pregnancy as it boosts energy levels in the mother-to-be.  

Also Read: 6 Health Benefits of Apricots in Pregnancy

How Many Makhana to Eat in pregnancy?

To reap the above-mentioned health benefits of makhana, you may take two to three handfuls of makhana. However, you must eat makhana in moderation to avoid the side-effects of makhana.  

Makhana (Fox Nuts) Side Effects in Pregnancy

It is true that makhana offers many health benefits in pregnancy, but they must be eaten in moderation to avoid side-effects. 

  1. Overconsumption of the fox seeds or makhana in pregnancy can lead to constipation and bloating.
  1. If you have diabetes, then you must eat them in moderation, as makhana tends to reduce the blood sugar level in the body. 
  2. If you are allergic to nuts, then you must first consult your doctor before adding them to your pregnancy-friendly diet. 

Final Words

Phool Makhana is an amazing source of essential nutrition for pregnant women. From keeping the blood sugar level under control in pregnant women to promoting the growth and development of the fetus, makhana is very beneficial for pregnant women. You can buy premium-quality makhana from Healthy Master. 

Also Read: 10 Must-Have Healthy Snacks in Pregnancy

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