What is Makhana

INTRODUCTION

Makhana is the most popular name in India for Euryale ferox, a flowering plant classified in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae) and the only extant species in the genus Euryale.

It is extensively grown in marshy wetlands, tanks, ponds and lakes, and harvested for its seed. Other common names include prickly water lily seeds, popped lotus seeds, foxnut or gorgon nut.

Highly nutritious, it is a fully organic non-cereal food found principally in India (Bihar state alone accounts for 90% of world production) but also in Korea, Japan, as well as parts of eastern Russia.

Makhana is not simple crop to cultivate and special skills are required for farming, harvesting and processing. The lotus seeds are meticulously extracted and processed to make them ready to eat. In India, Makhana is famously known as Phool Makhana; due to its unique and flowery appearance.

The Facts

Nutrition and Health

Makhana is unique because it is:

  • Low in fat and high in carbohydrates which makes it nutritionally distinct from other nuts.

  • Highly rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

  • Better than dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, coconut and cashews in terms of sugar, protein, ascorbic acid and phenol content.

  • Significantly lower in the glycemic index than most high carbohydrate foods like rice or bread.

  • Known to contain kaempferol, a natural flavonoid also found in coffee (which prevents inflammation and ageing) and are high onphyto-nutrients (disease fighting nutrients) including alkaloids, gallic acid, saponins.

Health Benefits of Makhana

Insomnia Remedy

Instead of taking sleeping pills, take Makhana!Proven to help, it is a much healthier solution to deal with insomnia.

Arthritis Solution

For those with arthritis, Makhana’s high calcium content is a real benefit.

Rich in Calcium

Makhana is a good snack as well as a good source of calcium. 60mg in every 100g.

Helping to Deal with Digestion

Makhana is recommended for those with digestion issues because its very high fibre contentis proven to be good for body metabolism.

Good for Blood Pressure

The high potassium and lower sodium contained in Makhana is good for anyone with hypertension. It helps to regulate blood pressure.

Coffee Substitute

Roasted Makhana could become a coffee substitute. For those worried about having too much coffee being bad for their health, substituting coffee with Makhana is the healthier solution.

Enhance Sexual Performance

Makhana has aphrodisiac properties, increasing sperm quantity, reduces premature ejaculation and increases libido in men and increases fertility in women.

Contains Special Enzyme to Fight Ageing

Makhana is rich in kaempferol which is a well known anti-aging property.

Reduces Heart Disease Risk

Makhana contains medical properties which are believed to strengthen the heart and improve cardiovascular function.

Beneficial for Diabetic Patient

Makhana is very high in fibre but relatively low in fat content. This is good for diabetic patients with digestive problems because the low fat means lower sugar is released.

Weight Loss Solution

By being high in fibre and low in fat Makhana helps the metabolism system, making your stomach feel full, while low fat is an immediate support in any weight loss diet program.

Recommended for Vegetarian

For vegetarians Makhana is an ideal snack because there is enough calcium, protein and antioxidants for your body only in one handful of nuts.

Good for Pregnant Women

The high nutrients contained in Makhana are good for pregnant women at high risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension and the high calcium content is very good for fetal development.

Good for Respiratory System

Rejuvenating the respiratory system is another health benefit of Makhana.

High Protein

Protein levels are high but also gluten-free, so Makhana is highly recommended for those who are allergic to gluten but need healthy snacks to ingest protein.

Release Stress

A handful of Makhana is a natural remedy to address stress issues because it contains calming properties.

Good for Kidneys

By helping blood to circulate properly and eases kidney function.

Fighting Impotency

Makhana is a recommended natural solution to the risk of impotence because it helps to increase the quality and quantity of semen.

Prevent Inflammation

Makhana is very rich in flavonoids, a natural chemical that help reduce the risk and prevention of inflammation.

Good Source of Antioxidants 

Consuming foods rich in antioxidants provides a healthy skin. Makhana is a powerful source of antioxidants.

Eating Makhana

The Makhana seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. 

It is most popular roasted as a snack. However the seeds when raw, can be made into a paste, which is used extensively in Chinese pastries as well as in Japanese desserts. Dried lotus seeds may be soaked in water overnight prior to use. They can then be added directly to soups, salads or used in other dishes. Puffed seeds are used in curries, kheer, puddings and dry roasted snacks.

Lotus seeds are an alternate gluten-free protein supplement and potential nutra-ceutical and pharmaceutical source. Blending its flour with other nutritionally rich legumes like daals and soybean or millets like bajra and jowar will be of immense value to develop low-cost, gluten-free, protein-rich food supplements to help in eating disorders and to combat malnutrition. 

Introducing Makhana, either roasted as a snack or raw, into your regular diet will add significant value.