Makhana
Makhana
Makhana is the seed of the lotus plant that is used in the preparation of sweets as well as savories. These seeds can be consumed raw or in cooked form. Makhana is also used for medicinal purposes.
Makhana has high nutritional value as it is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, iron, and zinc. It gives a feeling of fullness when taken as a snack and prevents overeating thereby helping in weight loss. Makhana is beneficial for overall skin health (wrinkles and signs of aging) due to the presence of antioxidants and certain amino acids that have anti-aging property.
According to Ayurveda, Makhana helps improve male sexual health as it increases sperm quality and quantity due to its aphrodisiac property. Eating Makhana might also help control diarrhea as its strong astringent property helps slow down the passage of stool through the digestive tract thereby reducing the frequency of passing stool.
Excessive consumption of Makhana might cause constipation, bloating and flatulence[2][3][8].
Makhana has high nutritional value as it is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, iron, and zinc. It gives a feeling of fullness when taken as a snack and prevents overeating thereby helping in weight loss. Makhana is beneficial for overall skin health (wrinkles and signs of aging) due to the presence of antioxidants and certain amino acids that have anti-aging property.
According to Ayurveda, Makhana helps improve male sexual health as it increases sperm quality and quantity due to its aphrodisiac property. Eating Makhana might also help control diarrhea as its strong astringent property helps slow down the passage of stool through the digestive tract thereby reducing the frequency of passing stool.
Excessive consumption of Makhana might cause constipation, bloating and flatulence[2][3][8].
What are the synonyms of Makhana?
Euryale ferox, Makhatram, Paniyphalam, Makhatrah, Kantpadma, Mellunipadmamu, Makhna, Jeweir, Makhane, Makhane, Sivsat, Thanging, Gorgon fruits, Prickly water lily, Makhana lawah, Mukhresh, Mukhareh, Fox nut
What is the source of Makhana?
Plant Based
Benefits of Makhana
1. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Intake of Makhana helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is because it increases the quality and quantity of semen. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Tip:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon of ghee.
c. Have it with milk or add to any food.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Eating Makhana may help your body absorb more nutrients and control your diarrhea. This is due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon ghee.
c. Have it with light food.
3. Insomnia
Anidra (Insomnia) is associated with an aggravated Vata. Taking Makhana helps in insomnia due to its Vata balancing and Guru (heavy) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon ghee.
c. Have it with milk at night.
4. Osteoarthritis
According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and joint immobility. Makhana has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis, like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon ghee.
c. Have it with milk or add to any food.
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Intake of Makhana helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is because it increases the quality and quantity of semen. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Tip:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon of ghee.
c. Have it with milk or add to any food.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Eating Makhana may help your body absorb more nutrients and control your diarrhea. This is due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon ghee.
c. Have it with light food.
3. Insomnia
Anidra (Insomnia) is associated with an aggravated Vata. Taking Makhana helps in insomnia due to its Vata balancing and Guru (heavy) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon ghee.
c. Have it with milk at night.
4. Osteoarthritis
According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and joint immobility. Makhana has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis, like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
b. Shallow fry the Makhana in 1/2-1 teaspoon ghee.
c. Have it with milk or add to any food.
Precautions when using Makhana
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Makhana in food amounts during pregnancy. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Makhana[3].
FAQs about Makhana precautions
How to use Makhana
1. Makhana
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
Or, you can also add a few Makhana to your salads.
2. Roasted Makhana
a. Heat oil in a pan on full flame.
b. Once the oil is hot, bring the flame to a simmer.
c. Add the Makhana and roast until crunchy.
d. Season the Makhana with salt, black pepper powder and chaat masala (optional).
e. Eat 2-3 handfuls a day or add to salads.
3. Makhana powder (or Makhana flour)
a. Take 2-3 cups of Makhana and grind it to form powder.
b. Take ½ cup of Makhana powder in a bowl.
c. Add hot water in small quantities and mix well with a spoon or whisk. Make sure no lumps remain.
d. Add ghee at the end and mix well.
e. Let it cool and add honey before having.
a. Take 1-2 handful Makhana or as per your requirement.
Or, you can also add a few Makhana to your salads.
2. Roasted Makhana
a. Heat oil in a pan on full flame.
b. Once the oil is hot, bring the flame to a simmer.
c. Add the Makhana and roast until crunchy.
d. Season the Makhana with salt, black pepper powder and chaat masala (optional).
e. Eat 2-3 handfuls a day or add to salads.
3. Makhana powder (or Makhana flour)
a. Take 2-3 cups of Makhana and grind it to form powder.
b. Take ½ cup of Makhana powder in a bowl.
c. Add hot water in small quantities and mix well with a spoon or whisk. Make sure no lumps remain.
d. Add ghee at the end and mix well.
e. Let it cool and add honey before having.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Makhana is low in calorie and high in fibre as well as good carbohydrates. There are 180 calories in about 50g of Makhana.
Modern Science View
Makhana, also known as Lotus seeds, are light, digestible, high in good carbohydrates, proteins and fibre. This makes them suitable for consumption during fasting.
Modern Science View
1. Heat oil in a pan on full flame.
2. Once the oil is steaming hot, bring the flame to a low level.
3. Add the Makhana to the pan and roast until crunchy.
4. Season the Makhana with salt, pepper and chaat masala (optional).
2. Once the oil is steaming hot, bring the flame to a low level.
3. Add the Makhana to the pan and roast until crunchy.
4. Season the Makhana with salt, pepper and chaat masala (optional).
Modern Science View
Yes, Makhana is the same as lotus seeds, also known as Fox nuts.
Modern Science View
1. Makhana porridge is an easy and nutritional dish for babies.
2. Take ½ cup of Makhana powder in a bowl.
3. Add hot water in small quantities and mix well with a spoon or whisk. Make sure no lumps remain.
4. Add ghee at the end and mix well.
5. Let it cool and add honey before having.
2. Take ½ cup of Makhana powder in a bowl.
3. Add hot water in small quantities and mix well with a spoon or whisk. Make sure no lumps remain.
4. Add ghee at the end and mix well.
5. Let it cool and add honey before having.
Modern Science View
Yes, Makhana is useful in reducing fatigue. Increase in free radical formation leads to physical and emotional stress. Makhana has antioxidant property that fights against the free radicals and reduces stress. Makhana might increase the level of glycogen in the liver. These act as a major source of energy during exercise[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Makhana is good for diabetes. This is due to its hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. Makhana helps to lower the blood glucose levels. This might be due to its ability to release insulin from the pancreatic β-cells. Makhana prevents the damage of pancreatic β-cells and helps in restoring their activity. It also reduces the risk of diabetic complications[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Makhana is good for heart patients. It has both antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. Makhana reduces the chances of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury (tissue damage when the blood flow returns to the tissue after a period of lack of oxygen). It improves the blood supply and reduces the size of the myocardial infarct (a small localized area of dead tissue due to lack of blood supply). Due to its antioxidant property, Makhana also prevents damage of the blood vessels[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Makhana can be used in case of male infertility. It increases the stickiness of semen that improves semen quality and quantity. Makhana also increases sexual desire and prevents early discharge of semen[7].
Modern Science View
No, Makhana does not cause cough. In fact, in traditional medicine, Makhana powder along with honey has been used to manage cough[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, excessive consumption of Makhana may lead to gas, flatulence and bloating. This is because Makhana is Guru (heavy) in nature and takes time to digest. This leads to gas formation.
Modern Science View
Makhana is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. They are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. Makhana gives a feeling of fullness when taken as a snack and controls overeating. Their low sodium and high magnesium content prevents water retention and thus helps in weight loss in obese people[8].
Modern Science View
Makhana is rich in antioxidants and certain amino acids which has anti-ageing property. It tightens the skin, prevents wrinkles and controls early signs of ageing. Thus it is good for overall skin health[10].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific data is not available regarding side effects caused by Makhana, eating too much Makhana may cause constipation, bloating and flatulence. Makhana which is basically Lotus seeds may also contain some heavy metals which come through the water in which they are grown and may cause damage to health[9].
References
- Balkrishnan A.Makhana.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya.Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Masram P, Patel KS, Kori VK.Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb)-A Review.Int J Ayu Pharm Chem.2015;4(2):69-76.
- Pal I, Dey P.A review on lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seed.International Journal of Science and Research.2013;4(7):1659-1666.
- Wu CY, Chen R, Wang XS, et al. Antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities of phenolic extract from the seed coat of Euryale ferox Salisb. and identification of Three Phenolic Compounds by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Molecules.2013;18:11003-11021.
- Ahmed D, Kumar V, Verma A, et al. Antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic effect of extract of Euryale ferox salisb. with enhanced histopathology of pancreas, liver and kidney in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. SpringerPlus.2015;4:315.
- Das S, Der P, Raychaudhuri U, et al. The effect of Euryale ferox (Makhana), an herb of aquatic origin, on myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. Mol Cell Biochem.2006;289(1-2):55-63.
- Masram P, Patel KS, Kori VK, et al. Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb)-A review. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem.2015;4(2):69-76.
- Kumar P, Kumar S.The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Desserts the Indian Way.2016.
- Arya P, Sharma A, Gupta RK.Fortification of calcium and iron with Phoenix dactylifera (Palm Date) and Euryale forex (Makhana) in Wheat and Ragi cookies: Formulation, Physiochemical and Nutritional analysis.International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition.2017:2(4): 196-200
- Jana BR, Idris M.Anti-aging Amino Acids in Euryale ferox (Salisb.): A Review.Adv Plants Agric Res .2018. 8(2).
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.