Makhana - A Crunchy, Delicious, and Nutritious Snack for this Festive Season
Makhana, also known as fox nut, is a traditional staple of India. It is mainly used in traditional medicines and recipes to treat numerous diseases and conditions like kidney problems, hypofunction of the spleen, and even diarrhea. However, these days, it is emerging as a superfood that most people use for healthy snacking. If you are looking for the same, this is the right content for you. Here you will find some comprehensive information on this amazing snack and how it can be your perfect snack companion.
What Makes Makhana So Popular?
Do you know what makes makhana so popular? It is undoubtedly its high nutritional value. They are a potent source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, protein, thiamine, as well as phosphorus. Roasted makhanas are considered an excellent tea time snack. Roasted makhana has been a famous snack option in India for centuries. People also make different types of dishes like kheer, raita, curry, and cutlets using makhana.
On the other hand, easy accessibility also makes it a great snacking option that you can try any time of the day. They are low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. It is great for munching while maintaining an ideal weight. Due to the increasing demand for makhana, they are now available in many variations.
Nutritional Profile of Makhana
Calories |
347 |
Protein |
9.7g |
Fats |
0.1g |
Carbohydrates |
76.9g |
Fiber |
14.5g |
Total Lipids |
0.1g |
Calcium |
60mg |
Iron |
1.4mg |
Origin of Makhana
Makhanas are derived from lotus, which develops seed pods and contains around 25-20 seeds in one pod. These seeds mature and will be ready to be consumed within forty days. These seeds are usually dried and roasted in high flames, which breaks the outer shell and makes the white puff-type texture pop out. These puff-like snacks are very crunchy and filling.
Proven Health Benefits of Makhana
Maintain Kidney Health
Makhana helps you to maintain ideal kidney health by regulating urination and controlling the blow flow. They are a great agent to cleanse and detoxify the spleen. You can rejuvenate your health by eating makhana as they help you to flush out unwanted toxins from the system
Heart Health
Makhana is packed with vital nutrients like protein, magnesium, calcium, and carbohydrates. They also have very low fat and sodium content, which will help you regulate your blood pressure and maintain ideal heart health.
Detoxifies Liver
This is in fact the main and the most important health benefits of makhana. They help you to detoxify the liver by eliminating all the toxins and unwanted substances. They also enhance the metabolism and help your liver to function properly.
The above mentioned are just a few of the many health benefits of makhana. Apart from these, they can make your bones stronger and help with weight loss, hormonal balance, digestive health, and more. On the other hand, experts even say that this amazing seed category from nature can also help you with fertility.
Healthy Makhana Snacks to Try
As mentioned above, you will come across a lot of makhana snacks in the market these days. However, looking for the right ones is very important. Always look for snacks that can complement your health goals.
Spicy Makhana
This is a quick recipe that you can even make at home. You will be able to prepare it with some basic ingredients like turmeric powder, red chilli powder, chaat masala, black pepper, ghee, and salt. They have a similar texture to popcorn, but more fluffier. It is a perfect snack to enjoy any time of the day. In case you do not have the time and resources, you can also buy some of the best makhana snacks from Healthy Master.
There are many flavours and types of makhana snacks that you can try in the store. Spicy roasted, chilli, herbs, mint, pepper, and salt are some of the options to choose from.
Makhana Kheer
This is one of the favourite sweet delicacies for many. Makhana kheer is enjoyed by people of all age groups. You can prepare it easily at home. You can prepare it from scratch or make kheer and add makhana to it to give a crunchy and rich texture. They also make the dish filling and nutritious.
Healthy Makhana Chaat
If you are looking for something spicy, tangy, and savoury, makhana chat can be a great option. Unlike other chats that are loaded with masala and heavy ingredients, you can make this chaat simple and nutritious while giving it a nice touch of chatpata. Moreover, you can make it by using some of the basic ingredients like chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, coriander leaves, lemon juice and salt. On the other hand, they are quick and easy-to-make snacks that you can enjoy fresh.
A Handy Go to Snack
Makhana is a very handy and versatile crunchy snack that you can carry anywhere to avoid unhealthy foods. They are also very clean snacks that you can have without making a mess when you are traveling. Additionally, these flavoured snacks can satisfy your mid-day cravings and satiate your body to feel full for a longer time. Although makhanas are great, it is important to consume them in moderation. However, excessive eating may cause some mild digestive issues like gastrointestinal problems or allergies.
Conclusion
As you can see above, makhana is a complete snack that you can easily include in your diet. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any diet pattern. On the other hand, they are also packed with all the essential nutrients that can nourish your body with many health benefits.
It does not matter what your needs are, if you are looking for some yummy makhana snacks, you will be able to find some of the best from Healthy Master. Additionally, there are many flavours and styles to choose from. Apart from makhana, you will also find many other nutritious snacks like baked chips, millet snacks, dry fruits and nuts, trail mixes, ready to make foods like moringa and millet noodles, and many more.
So, shop now, change the way you snack, and feel great about every bite.