Fox nuts or Makhana have been used as a snack food for generations and have numerous health benefits. The Chinese utilize them as medicine because of their medicinal characteristics. Fasting is usually associated with fox nuts, also known as ‘Makhana.’
Fox nuts are beneficial to the spleen and kidneys. When it comes to nutritional value, cashews, almonds, walnuts, and other dry fruits are pale in contrast to fox nuts. These are often used in Indian cuisine. Roasted with a sprinkle of spices and sauces, they make a delightful delicacy.
Importance of Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana is a superfood that is high in protein and fiber while being low in fat. Makhana is indeed an excellent source of calcium and has few vitamins too. They are also high in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Magnesium is essential for optimal metabolism; it is important in everything from muscle function to neuron function and even protein synthesis. Makhana contains a lot of carbohydrates as well as minerals like iron and calcium.
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, whereas iron is required for healthy blood. On the whole, fox nuts’ nutrition contributes significantly to your diet, particularly if you are deficient in minerals and fiber.
Makhana (Fox Nuts) Has the Following Health Benefits:
Fox nuts have a very high protein content. This is why they are such a crucial part of the fasting diet; a fistful can give you sufficient energy to last the entire day. Nowadays many snacks are deep-fried or include a lot of additives and preservatives. A bowl of fox nuts will keep you full while also keeping your calories in line.
Fox nuts are an excellent anti-aging food due to their high antioxidant content. A couple of them every day will help you look younger and make your skin sparkle. The drawback is that they can’t be eaten as a fried snack.
Some of the important antioxidant compounds present in Makhana nuts include gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin. These may play a role in lowering the chance of heart disease, cancer, and chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Fox nuts are an excellent snack for diabetes patients and heart patients since they are high in healthy fat and low in saturated fat. Because of these qualities, makhanas are an excellent weight-loss food.
In animal experiments, makhana extract was found to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as alleviate symptoms of fatty liver disease. A comparable study found a drop in the same markers in diabetic rats. Although further research is needed, the benefits of fox nuts make it a potential snack for people trying to protect their heart health.
Fiber is abundant in fox nuts. They aid digestion by reducing constipation and adding bulk to the stool.
Fox nuts are excellent detoxifiers. They help the body rid itself of pollutants. They are extremely good to the spleen, which acts as a cell graveyard in the body. It recycles RBCs (red blood cells). The spleen is the nucleus of the immune system since it also houses white blood cells and platelets.
Do you have fertility issues? Fox nuts will come to your aid. As an aphrodisiac, they aid in premature ejaculation, enhance the quality of sperm, and aid in the treatment of infertility in women.
Fox nuts have a low glycemic index, which means they release glucose into the blood slowly. This keeps you feeling fuller for a longer period of time.
Fox nuts are gluten-free but high in protein and carbohydrate content, making them ideal for those with wheat allergies.
They have a high magnesium and potassium content and low sodium content. As a result, fox nuts are a good snack for those trying to lose weight.
High potassium and low sodium are excellent combos for hypertensive people. The potassium lowers blood pressure while the sodium raises it. Those who have high blood pressure can eat fox nuts without experiencing any rises in their blood pressure.
Fox nuts contain kaempferol, a natural substance that decreases inflammation in the body. Most modern ailments, such as arthritis, diabetes, and rheumatism, are caused by inflammation. Fox nuts also have antimicrobial effects.
In addition to magnesium, potassium, and sodium, foxnuts have a high calcium content. This indicates they belong to the category of meals that are excellent for both the bones and the teeth.
Makhana is also strong in thiamine content, which indicates it can help with cognitive function. Foxnut ingestion aids the body’s production of acetylcholine and hence assists in the function of neurotransmission. This neurotransmission pathway is critical to preserving nerve function.
Fox nuts have inherent astringent characteristics, which means that persons with weak kidneys can readily consume them. Fox nuts include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that aid in the reduction of inflammation and the consequences of oxidative stress.
How Much Makhana Should You Consume Every Day?
It is calculated that 100 g of foxnuts provides around 347 calories. Furthermore, 100 g of foxnuts include 9.7 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat, 76.9 g of carbohydrate, and 14.5 g of fiber.
It is advisable to ingest 30 g of foxnut daily if you want to lose weight. However, in order to determine your daily foxnut intake depending on your unique needs, you should visit a nutritionist or dietitian.
Excessive use of Makhana may result in the following side effects:
- Constipation, gas, and bloating are all symptoms of digestive problems.
- In diabetic patients, an increase in insulin levels can significantly drop blood sugar levels. As a result, excessive consumption of Makhana must be avoided.
- Some people may develop allergies as a result of them.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided solely for educational reasons and is not meant to be a replacement for medical treatment from a healthcare professional.