Makhana, a superfood for breastfeeding moms and a healthy snack for kids too

Lotus seeds or Fox Nuts, commonly known as Makhana is a superfood, which is usually consumed during the fasts in India. It is a very healthy snack option for kids and adults too especially for the new mothers. It is easily available in any grocery store and has a very good shelf life, hence can be stored for a long time in an air-tight container, away from the moisture and direct light. Not only a nutritious snack, Makhana also has a strong medicinal value. It has essential micronutrients which are of vast importance. However, not many people know about its health benefits.

Health Benefits of Makhana:

• Has Anti ageing property.
• Helps in losing weight.
• Rich source of protein.
• Excellent source of magnesium, hence keeps you away from the heart diseases.
• Contains vital proteins, very useful for diabetics.
• It has high content of calcium, hence helps in arthritis.
• Strengthens kidneys and spleen.
• Helps immensely in diarrhea and increasing appetite further.
• Abundant source of potassium helps keeping away stress and regulate blood pressure.

Recipe:

These seeds can be consumed raw or cooked depending on the taste. Here, I am sharing a recipe to prepare caramelised makhane which are considered to be highly beneficial for the breastfeeding mothers.

Ingredients: Makhana, Jaggery, Ghee.

Method:

Cut Makhane into two halves. In case the size is larger, you can divide into 3 or 4 parts also. Take ghee in a pan and heat on medium flame. Add Makhane and roast well. Make sure to use ghee generously so that all the makhanas are well roasted. Keep stirring well to avoid burning them. Once they turn light brown, turn off the flame and keep the makhanas aside.

Now in the same pan, take 2 tsp ghee and add 1.5 cup jaggery and mix well till it melts properly on a low flame. Make sure there are no lumps in it. Now add the roasted makhanas and mix well. All the makhanas need to be coated well with the jaggery mixture. Keep the flame low. Once all the makhanas are well coated, take them out in a plate.

NOTE: You can give them a shape of laddoos and store in an airtight container or store like this only. Please note you can shape them only while they are hot else they will tighten. So, take a little water in your hand and make the laddoos. DON’S DRINK MILK FOR HALF AN HOUR AFTER HAVING THESE CARAMELIZED MAKHANA AS IT MAY CAUSE STOMACH ACHE.

Points to Note:

• Sometimes, Makhana may cause allergies, so in case you feel irritation or any kind of discomfort after its consumption, please stop and consult a physician.
• Excess consumption may cause constipation, bloating and flatulence. In case you are already constipated, avoid eating this.
• People having diabetes and high BP should consult their doctor before consuming it as it lowers down the insulin levels and BP too, so consumption should be moderate.
• It is always advisable to consume Makhana after cutting it into two pieces, to make sure there is no insects inside it.

Hope you find the post useful. If you have any interesting recipe, would love to know about it.