8 Benefits of Lotus seeds (Makhana) that makes you healthier
Lotus seeds has many benefits which are good for health. it is high in fiber, which helps maintaining the excretory tract in proper order. The potassium content is very beneficial for heart disease which reduces the risk of heat stroke and high blood pressure. It is helpful in eliminating excess water and sodium from the body. The thiamine content present in lotus seeds is helpful in maintaining healthy cognitive functions of the nerves. Consumption of lotus seeds helps in the production of acetylcholine which is necessary for neurotransmission.
what is lotus seeds?
Lotus seeds is a type of seed derived from the Euryale ferox plant (Prickly Water Lily). They’re also sometimes referred to as Makhana or fox nuts. 90% of the world’s makhana is grown in India’s north-eastern state of Bihar. It is also used raw as a food ingredient. Free of the kinds of sugars and saturated fats found in most chips and snacks, Makhana is is highly rich in nutrition whilst low in fat and high in carbohydrate. That makes it superfood.
Benefits of lotus seeds
- Nutrients rich: Nutritional Information on vitamin and mineral content is confirmed by researchers and they suggested that Popped Makhana contains Vitamin B1(thiamin), carotene, iodine, iron, manganese, and phosphorous, magnesium, protein in addition to potassium and calcium. These are low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium.
- Weight management: Being rich in nutritional value, makhana can help maintain a healthy weight and add value to one’s diet. Also, it has low cholesterol and fat content, making it beneficial for weight loss .the amount you should consume depends on your individual requirements. For instance, if your goal is weight loss, having around 30 grams of per day can be beneficial.
- Heart health: Makhana contains essential nutrients like protein, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart.
- Maintening Kidney functioning: Makhana acts as a detoxifying agent, flushing out toxins and cleansing the spleen, which is responsible for removing blood cells. This contributes to maintaining good kidney health, as it helps control blood flow and regulates urination by eliminating toxins from the body.
- Controlling blood pressure: The high magnesium content and low fat and sodium levels in makhana make it effective in maintaining blood pressure levels, especially for individuals with hypertension.
- Detox the liver: The nutritional benefits of makhana also contribute to maintaining liver function and enhancing metabolism.
- Bone and teeth health: Makhana is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and proteins, which are essential for healthy bone and teeth development.
- Diabetes management: Being low in caloric value and glycemic index, makhana is considered healthy for managing diabetes and sugar levels in the body.
- Healthy digestive system: Being high in fibre, the benefits of lotus seeds include keeping the digestive system healthy and promoting bowel movement, thus preventing constipation.
- Anti-ageing: Lotus seeds are rich in antioxidants, making them a great anti-ageing food. It is better to eat roasted makhana rather than frying it to reap the full benefits of lotus seeds for anti-ageing.
- Nerve function: Lotus seeds also contain thiamine, which is essential in aiding cognitive function and contributes to the process of neurotransmission, key in maintaining good nerve function.
- Good for fertility: lotus seeds (Makhana) also benefits both men and women in dealing with infertility problems. Makhana improves semen quality and preventing premature ejaculation.
- Preventing inflammation: Lotus seeds have a natural compound known as kaempferol which helps in reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is responsible for many diseases like arthritis and rheumatism. Therefore, it is good for patients suffering from arthritis.
- Gluten-free alternative: Many people are allergic to wheat, they can eat makhana as a gluten-free alternative as it is high in protein and carbohydrate content.
- Beneficial for female: Due to their high iron content, lotus seeds offer significant benefits for women dealing with anemia. Its essential vitamins and minerals contribute to reproductive health, especially beneficial for women with low iron levels. Lotus seeds are also beneficial in maintaining hormonal balance.
conclusion
100 grams of lotus seeds provide 350 calories, which means about 77 grams of carbs, 9.7 grams of protein and 0.1 grams of fat. The rest is made up of water, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium. Makhana has “more essential amino acids than rice, wheat, soybeans or fish.” Meanwhile, magnesium is necessary for a wide range of metabolic reactions in the body and involved in protein synthesis, muscle contractions, nerve function, and more.