What is Makhana? How is it produced?
Your food habit can make or break you. It becomes even more important to research about the pros and cons of food items that you eat during pregnancy as you are carrying a life inside you. So we will discuss about the ins and outs of Makhana production and we will discuss at length about its resources. So, where does Makhana come from?
Not many of us know that Makhana seeds are the seeds of lotus flower. Extensively grown in the states of Bihar and UP, lotus flowers have always been connected to religion and philosophy. But these flowers are more than that.
Lotus flower seeds or Makhana make amazing snacks as roasted makhana. They are crunchy and healthy. When served with a pinch of salt, they can make a delicious evening snack. Makhanas or fox nuts are extensively used in indian cuisines like kheer, makhana sweets, raita and makhana curry, But are Foxnutsin pregnancy god for you?
Can we eat Makhana in pregnancy?
Makhana during pregnancy would be a blessing as it is highly nutritious and healthy. Eating makhana during pregnancy can help you get these nutrients that it comes packed with.
Makhanas come packed with magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorous and protein. This makes makhanas a perfect snack for pregnancy. Additionally they are low in cholesterol, sodium and saturated fats and are heart healthy.
Other health benefits that come with Makhana are their anti-ageing properties, cognition improving ability, bone supporting properties and it also works as a great digestive aid. So if you ask that – is makhana good for pregnancy? Then we will say that yes it is ideal for you to take it in moderation for the best results!
Some health trivia about Makhana!
Makhana is Gluten free which makes it a great food for those women who are suffering from flatulence, immune disorder or Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome. Makhanas are low in glycemic index, hence making them a diabetic’s friend.
A bowl of Makhana is enough to compensate the daily Folate requirements during pregnancy. Folic acid is the most important component for foetus formation. Taking adequate amount of this nutrient through food sources can prevent birth defects.
How to eat Makhana in pregnancy!
Makhanas are healthy by themselves. And so you should try to maintain the health benefits that they come with. These are some of the healthy ways of eating makhana during pregnancy. Phool makhana curry is a great way to consume makana seeds as they are simple curries that is not only loaded with makhana seed benefits but also the benefits of other ingredients that you put into them. Spices and herbs like turmeric along with makhana make it an ideal recipe. Other recipes include roasted makhana, khoya makhana and makhane ki kheer that are nutritious ad savoury. These foods make your food interesting and help you take the benefits of eating makhana during pregnancy.