Blog

Why Foxnuts Should Be Your Go-To Snack for a Healthier Lifestyle

Fox nuts are the seeds of lotus flowers. They are also called makhana. Converting them from raw seeds to a delicious and healthy snack is a long and tedious process. Generally, the seeds are collected from lotus flowers grown in water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and canals. Then, the seeds are washed and transported to factories, where they are dried and packed in sacks. The seeds are poured into hot fry pans, roasted, and finally hammered with a wooden hammer to obtain the finished fox nuts. India is the largest producer of fox nuts or makhana, with Bihar being the highest producer among all states.

In this busy and mechanized world, we find a wide variety of unhealthy, spicy junk snacks. It is very difficult to find pure, healthy, and nutritious snacks. Despite the popularity of delicious but unhygienic snacks, fox nuts or makhanas are gaining popularity as a nutritious and healthy snack among health-conscious people. They are a dry food and can be consumed raw, with milk, fried, or cooked in curry. These crunchy and tasty snacks are not only delicious but also enriched with vitamins and minerals, providing multiple health benefits. Flavored roasted makhana is a favorite snack. In our country, it is considered a holy offering to God. Tasty fried fox nuts mixed with natural spices are exotic and can be enjoyed as snacks in our healthier lifestyle.

Benefits of fox nuts or makhanas:

• Enriched in nutrients:

Fox nuts are packed with essential nutrients and have immense food value, making them an excellent choice for a healthier lifestyle. They provide protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They contain magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Including fox nuts in our daily diet helps fulfill our nutritional needs. Fox nuts have a low glycemic index and are beneficial for individuals with high blood sugar.

• Low in calories and fat:

High calories are detrimental to our health, so we often look for low-calorie diets. Fox nuts or makhanas are low-calorie and low-fat snacks that help with weight management. Despite their crunchy texture, roasted fox nuts are tasty and low in calories, aiding in controlling body weight. Consuming 30 to 50 grams of fox nuts daily can contribute to weight loss or weight maintenance.

• High in antioxidants:

Fox nuts contain antioxidant substances such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, which protect our bodies against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They also reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage. Fox nuts are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Regular consumption of fox nuts in a healthy manner strengthens the immune system and protects against chronic diseases. Additionally, fox nuts help reduce inflammation.

• Promotes digestive health:

Fox nuts contain dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The fiber in fox nuts promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation, thus supporting a healthy digestive system. Along with proper digestion and nutrient absorption, fox nuts help maintain healthy intestines.

• Promotes heart health:

Heart attacks are life-threatening, so it is crucial to maintain a healthy heart. A proper diet, exercise, stress-free lifestyle, and healthy habits are necessary for heart health. Consuming an oil- and fat-free diet contributes to a healthy heart. Fox nuts are beneficial for cardiovascular health. They can be consumed daily as they are low in cholesterol and sodium and provide sufficient magnesium and potassium to regulate blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

• Versatile and flavorful snacks:

Healthy foods are often considered monotonous and less tasty to preserve their nutritional value. However, fox nuts are different due to their versatility and availability in various flavors. Roasted fox nuts with natural spices like cheese, spicy flavors, or caramel are popular choices. They can be consumed raw, with milk, or incorporated into curries.

Conclusion:

As people become more health-conscious and strive for a fitter and healthier lifestyle, the demand for fox nuts is increasing due to their rich nutrient profile, low-calorie content, and other health-promoting components. Incorporating fox nuts into our regular snack routine is an excellent option for maintaining proper weight, supporting heart health, and ensuring a healthy digestive system. Fox nuts contain kaempferol, a natural compound that combats inflammation. Diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and rheumatism are often caused by inflammation, and fox nuts help fight against such conditions. From the above review, we can conclude that fox nuts are an essential snack for a healthier life.

FAQ