INTRODUCTION –
Makhana is a high-value aquatic cash crop and a traditional Indian snack. It grows in stagnant perennial water bodies. Makhana has been widely used in traditional oriental medicine to cure various diseases, including kidney problems, chronic diarrhoea, excessive leucorrhea, and hypofunction of the spleen.
Another key point of Makhanas are that they rich in nutrients and are a highly potent source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, protein, and phosphorus. Slightly roasted makhanas are an excellent teatime snack and a perfect tiffin option for kids.
Many people use makhanas in religious rituals and as an offering to God. As one travels across the country, the variation in the consumption and utilisation of makhanas is visible.
Culinary
The plant produces starchy white seeds that are edible. The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan. The Chinese have cultivated the plant for centuries. The plant grows best in locations with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Seeds are collected in the late summer and early autumn, and may be eaten raw or cooked.
In India, in the northern and western parts of the country, Makhanas are often roasted or fried, which causes them to pop like popocorn. These are then eaten, often with a sprinkling of oil and spices. As a matter of fact it is used in cooking, especially to make a porridge or pudding called kheer.
Nutritional Facts of Makhanas
100 grams of Makhana contains:
- Calories: 347
- Protein: 9.7gm
- Fats: 0.1gm
- Carbohydrates: 76.9gm
- Fibre: 14.5gm
- Total Lipids (Fats): 0.1gm
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 1.4mg
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MAKHANA –
1) They are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. This makes them an ideal snack to satiate those in-between meal hunger pangs.
2) As a matter of fact they are beneficial to those suffering from high blood pressure, heart diseases and obesity altogether due to their high magnesium as well as low sodium content.
3) Additionally for diabetics Makhanas are recommended due to their low glycemic index.
4) An anti-ageing enzyme in these seeds help to repair damaged proteins.
5) In addition, the presence of a natural flavonoid called kaempferol (also present in coffee), helps prevent inflammation as well as ageing.
6) Moreover Ayurvedic beliefs suggest that fox nuts astringent properties that benefit the kidneys.
7) Not only Ayurvedic but also Unani medicine believe them to have aphrodisiac properties.
8) Makhana ensure kidney health by controlling the blood flow and regulating urination. They detoxify and cleanse the spleen. It helps in flushing out all the toxins from the body.
9) They are rich in vital nutrients like magnesium, protein, calcium, and carbohydrates.
10) Our liver detoxifies our body by eliminating all the waste. Makhanas help the liver to function properly and enhance metabolism.
11) Makhana help regulate blood sugar levels. They have low calorie and glycemic indexes, which help diabetic patients to maintain their sugar levels.
12) Makhana are rich in calcium. Markedly Calcium improves bone and cartilage health, additionally also lubricates your bones and joints, and prevents degenerative bone diseases.
13) Our body requires fibre for proper digestion. Makhanas are rich in fibre, which ensures the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
14) Above all they are great for female fertility and ensure the proper functioning of all female reproductive organs. Regular consumption of makhanas boosts female reproductive health, although this may be true.
NOW HERE WE COMES TO MAKHANA CHAT RECIPE
INGREDIENTS –
- Roasted makahana 1 bowl
- 1 boiled potato
- Small chopped tomatoes
- 1 small chopped onion
- Green chilly (as required)
- 3 tsp roasted peanuts
- Lemon to squeeze
- Salt as per taste
- Coriander leaves for garnishing
Method of making Makhana chat –
- Roast 1 cup Makhana with 1 tsp of ghee in a pan.
- Take 1 bowl roasted makhana crush them and add few pieces of boiled potato, chopped tomatoes onion and green chilly.
- Add 3 tsp or 10-15 gm peanut
- You need to add salt and lemon off course.
- Some sev/pantry Chakna (little) crushed into it yum.
- Garnish it with chopped corriander leaves and sesame seeds.
Your evening saviour is ready to go.
Also See:How to make Makhana Paag Prasad at home :
We live in exciting times and variety is the essence of life. Furthermore Makhanas are available in myriad flavours in gourmet stores, both online and offline, like mint and the more exciting wasabi. The latter has an unmistakable kick that goes perfectly with a cooling beverage on the side. At the present time Makhanas are consider as the best snacking option . No wonder even Kareena kapoor swears by them as her favourite snack to munch on!
In short Makhana is a healthier as well as easier to cook option for us. In fact, they are deemed nutritious and have paved their way into the list of ‘healthy foods. Also remember instead of grabbing fried snacks, pick a handful of makhanas every day to boost your weight loss journey. Needless to say, you have to pair them with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
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