Overview

Euryale ferox, commonly known as prickly waterlily, makhana or Gorgon plant, is a species of water lily found in southern and eastern Asia, and the only extant member of the genus Euryale.
Makhanas are derived from lotus seeds.
Lotus develops seed pods, and each pod contains approximately 20 seeds that mature within 40 days.
The seeds are then dried and roasted on high flames.
The outer black shell breaks and the white puffs pop out.
These seeds are what we call makhanas.

Benefits

• Fox nuts have really high protein content.
• This is why they make such an important part of fasting food because a handful can provide you with energy to last the entire day.
• Having a bowl of fox nuts will fill you up and also keep the calories in check.
• Fox nuts make for great anti-ageing food as they have an abundance of anti-oxidants.
• A handful every day can keep you looking younger and making your skin glow.
• These may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and chronic conditions like diabetes.
• These properties make makhanas good weight-loss food.
• Fox nuts are high in fibre.
• They aid in flushing out toxins from the body.
• It recycles the RBCs (red blood cells).
• Having fertility issues? Fox nuts will come to the rescue.
• Touted as an aphrodisiac, they help with premature ejaculation, improve the quality of semen and help women suffering from infertility.
• They are high in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium.
• High potassium and low sodium is a great combination for patients suffering from hypertension.
• The potassium brings down the blood pressure and sodium tries to bring it up.
• Apart from magnesium, potassium, and sodium, foxnuts also contain a high amount of calcium.
• This means they fall under the category of foods that are good for the bones as well as the teeth.
• Makhna is also high in thiamine content which means they help in aiding cognitive function as well.
• The consumption of foxnuts helps the body to produce acetylcholine and thus contributes to the process of neurotransmission.
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and insomnia are quite common these days owing to stress and lifestyle changes.

Side Effects

Excess Consumption of fox nuts May Lead to Side Effects like:

Digestive issues like constipation, gas and feeling bloated.
A spike in insulin levels may lower blood sugar levels tremendously in patients with diabetes.
They can cause allergies in some people.

How To Consume

All you need to do is roast the fox nuts in ghee and flavour them with naturally spices and condiments like mint leaves, curry leaves, coriander powder, garlic powder, turmeric powder, green chillies, etc. or make panjeeri with addition of other nuts.You may also add peanuts or cashews and almonds to the mix to add a bit more crunch and nutrition to the snack.

Nutrtional Value

100 grams of Fox Nuts 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