This week You! takes a look at some of the health benefits of lotus seeds, widely known as a winter essential snack: makhanay…
health benefits
The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.
In traditional Chinese medicine, every part, including the seed, which is also known as the lotus nut, is used for healing purposes. Therefore, it is also a symbol of health and harmony.
Lotus seeds — aka lotus nuts — are the seeds of the lotus plant Nelumbo nucifera. The lotus plant also goes by the names Chinese water lily and sacred lotus. It is often referred to as not only an edible plant, but also a medicinal plant. The lotus plant and its seeds are commonly consumed and utilised for medicinal purposes across many countries in Asia. It is growing in popularity in other parts of the world as well, where there is budding interest in alternative or holistic medicine and the healing properties of various plants. Since we’re starting to feel a little gelidity in the air, this week You! takes a look at some of the health benefits of lotus seeds, widely known as a winter essential snack: makhanay…
Makhana is an excellent source of several important nutrients and makes a great addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet. Nutritionally, the lotus seeds have a solid content of carbohydrate, protein, vitamins including vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin A and E, and other essential minerals like magnesium, potassium and sodium. They also contain abundant amounts of phytochemicals, with valuable anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant traits.
Lotus seeds are an extremely good choice for your diet, especially if you are diabetic, as they have a significantly low glycemic index than most other carbohydrate foods including bread, rice, and so on. Owing to this property of the lotus seeds, they hold some beneficial effects on the health of diabetic individuals. Therefore, lotus seeds serve as the appropriate food for them.
Lotus seeds contain abundant magnesium in it. Magnesium being the greatest channel blocker improves the blood, oxygen and the flow of other nutrients. Low levels of magnesium can leave your body more prone to heart attacks. Such great is the content of Lotus seed that it leads to a dramatic difference in the heart condition. Its nutrition content of magnesium and folate brings down the risks associated with coronary heart diseases and other heart-related conditions.
One animal study found that administering makhana extract to for 4 weeks significantly reduced high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are common risk factors for heart disease.
Makhanas have low amounts of sodium and high amounts of potassium in them. The high potassium helps decrease the blood pressure levels among hypertension patients. Being low in sodium makes them extremely useful in keeping these blood pressure levels in check.
Makhana is loaded with calcium, which help in maintaining the health of your teeth and bones. Consuming it will make your bones stronger as it fulfils the recommended calcium requirement of your body. It also helps people with joint problems, people suffering from arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Flavonoids present in the fox nuts are also antioxidants, which can help promote skin health. It fights the free radicals and slows down the process of aging. In fact, according to one review, makhana contains several amino acids that are known for their anti-aging properties, including glutamine, cystine, arginine, and methionine. Glutamine, for instance, is used to produce proline, which is an amino acid found in collagen, a compound that supports skin hydration and elasticity. Methionine and arginine are also involved in the production of creatine, another compound that has been shown to have anti-aging effects in several older studies. So, this snack can help inhibit the aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines and premature greying of hair.
Makhana is the new popcorn. It is crunchy, tasty, easy to prepare, economical and healthy. Lotus seeds also stand out to be an excellent option if you are looking for a snacking option that aids in weight loss as well. Being low in calories, lotus seeds are an excellent choice to tackle your hunger pangs without disrupting your diet. Makhanas can be eaten ground or roasted. Soaked in water overnight, they can be added to soups, salads or other curry dishes. The puffed lotus seeds are also added in rice puddings and other dry roasted snacks. A classic way to snack on makhanay, which kind of tastes like popcorn, is to roast them. All you need is a few tablespoons of desi ghee (to stay in line with healthy snacking), and roast them until they are crunchy, which takes about 5 mins.
