Makhana, also referred to as foxnuts or lotus seeds, are a super healthy snack that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. When combined with nutrient-rich Milk, Makhana offers a wealth of health benefits.

An Introduction to Makhana

Makhana is a flowering plant that grows in the shallow waters of lakes and ponds in India and eastern Asia. The seeds, which are known as foxnuts or gorgon nuts, are harvested and consumed as a snack and used as an ingredient in cooking.

Sometimes called lotus seeds, makhana seeds are round, puffy, cream-white kernels with a diameter of 0.5–1.0 cm. They have a crispy texture and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor.

Makhana is rich in protein, dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It’s gluten-free and low in fat, sodium, and calories. Due to its stellar nutritional profile, makhana is considered a superfood in Ayurveda.

Nutritional Profile of Makhana and Milk

Here is the nutritional breakdown of makhana and milk per 100 grams:

When combined, makhana and milk provide a powerful dose of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. It makes them a wholesome, nutritious food combination.

Health Benefits of Eating Makhana with Milk

Here are some of the many health benefits you can obtain by consuming makhana with milk regularly:

1. Improves Digestion

Makhana is an excellent source of fiber, containing both soluble and insoluble varieties. Soluble fiber helps regulate bowel movements and relieves constipation by absorbing water and adding bulk to stools.

Insoluble fiber acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. This helps maintain optimal digestive health.

Milk also aids Digestion as it contains lactic acid, which promotes gut health. The calcium and potassium in milk can help relieve stomach acidity as well.

By improving digestion and gut microbiome balance, the makhana and milk combo alleviates gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, acidity, and constipation.

2. Manages Weight

Makhana is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with fiber – a combination that makes you feel satiated after eating. It helps reduce appetite and prevents overeating.

The fiber slows down Digestion, meaning makhana takes longer to digest, keeping you fuller for longer. It is beneficial for weight management.

Milk is high in calcium, which aids fat burning and may also discourage the production of fat cells. The protein in milk helps preserve and build lean muscle mass, further supporting weight maintenance. Together, makhana and milk make an excellent snack for those looking to lose or manage their Weight healthily.

3. Boosts Heart Health

The magnesium in makhana helps regulate blood pressure levels. The potassium relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow, lowering stress on the cardiovascular system.

Milk contains a specific type of fat known as conjugated linoleic acid or CLA, which benefits heart health by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and plaque buildup in the arteries.

The combination of makhana and milk can improve several heart health markers, making it cardio protective and ideal for those at risk of heart disease.

4. Boosts Fertility

Makhana is rich in magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and antioxidant compounds – all of which can help enhance fertility health in both men and women.

It improves sperm quality and counts in men. In women, it alleviates PCOS symptoms and regulates menstrual cycles. Milk aids Fertility as well due to its high content of calcium and vitamin D. Together, makhana and milk optimize hormone levels and reproductive health.

5. Strengthens Bones

Makhana contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and protein – key nutrients for building strong bones and teeth. Fox nuts help improve bone mineral density.

Milk is obviously an excellent source of bone-strengthening calcium. Consuming makhana and milk promotes good bone health and development and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

6. Boosts Energy Levels

As a starchy snack, makhana provides an instant energy boost that can help beat tiredness and fatigue. Milk is also considered an energy drink that can enhance performance.

Together, makhana and milk make the ideal energizing snack. Have it pre-workout or post-workout for a healthy energy kick to power through your day.

7. Improves Skin Health

Makhana is abundant in antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids that protect against skin cell damage, pigmentation, acne, dullness, and signs of aging like wrinkles.

It contains compounds that shield skin from UV radiation damage. Magnesium and potassium enhance skin hydration and elasticity. Calcium regulates keratinocyte activity and stimulates collagen production for youthful skin. The riboflavin (vitamin B2) in milk boosts elasticity.

Consuming makhana with milk regularly helps you achieve clear, flawless, youthful skin from within.

8. Promotes Hair Growth

Makhana is loaded with biotin, a B vitamin that stimulates hair follicle growth and protein production. It helps boost hair volume and prevent hair fall. It contains antioxidants and minerals that nourish the hair roots, prevent graying, and repair damage caused by free radicals.

Milk proteins like whey and casein also strengthen and condition hair strands and improve elasticity to prevent breakage. The nutrients in the makhana-milk combo make your tresses shiny, voluminous, and strong.

9. Enhances Immunity

Makhana is abundant in antioxidants that neutralize disease-causing free radicals and oxidative stress to boost Immunity. Milk contains immune protective zinc and vitamin A. Together, they provide resistance against infections, illness, and pathogens. Have makhana with warm milk every night to wake up energized and illness-free!

Makhana Milk Recipes

Here are a few tasty recipes incorporating makhana and milk you can try:

1. :Boil full-fat milk with roasted makhana, sugar or jaggery, cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits to make a delicious kheer. Garnish with slivered pistachios or almonds.
2. :Blend roasted makhana, milk, banana, peanut butter, and cocoa powder for a nourishing breakfast smoothie. Sweeten it with honey if needed.

• Mix roasted makhana, chilled milk, mango puree, honey/sugar, and ice. Blend well and top with grated almonds before serving.

• Cook oats in milk, then add roasted makhana, sliced almonds, raisins, cinnamon, and maple syrup for a unique breakfast.
• Lightly roast makhana with ghee, cinnamon, black pepper, and green cardamom. Add to hot milk, mix well, and drink up.

• :Roast makhana with cumin seeds, black pepper, and red chili powder. Mix into thick curd/yogurt with chopped tomatoes, onions, coriander leaves and salt.

• : Make Fhirni pudding with milk, makhana powder, sugar, cardamom powder and saffron. Garnish with slivered nuts.

• : Combine milk, roasted makhana, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Cook until thickened. Let it set, and then serve chilled.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Makhana is well tolerated when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

The Takeaway

Makhana paired with milk offers a tasty, convenient way to boost your nutritional intake. This power duo provides a wealth of benefits, including better Digestion, blood sugar control, weight management, heart health, bone strength, energy levels, Immunity, and more.

Consume makhana with milk in moderate portions to enhance your overall well-being. Try out delicious recipes like makhana kheer, smoothies, shakes, oats, and more to include this nutritious combo into your daily diet.

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The post Discover the Hidden Health Secrets of Makhana (Foxnuts): 9 Benefits That Will Amaze You first appeared on Get Fitness Guru.