Phool Makhana also known as fox nuts and lotus seeds are a type of seeds that are of great nutritional value. Phool Makhana benefits are something that will amaze you in certain ways.
Highlights:
- Phool Makhana in English are known as Lotus Seeds or Fox Nuts.
- Phool Makhana has numerous health benefits that can’t be overlooked.
- From maintaining a healthy heart to showing anti-aging effects, it has several health benefits.
- It is good to consume a handful amount of Fox Nuts every day.
Phool Makhana seeds are derived from a plant named Euryale ferox. Fox nuts are widely grown throughout Asia and are also used in traditional medicine forms to treat numerous medical conditions.
Fox nuts and lotus seeds are also known as Phool Makhana (پھول مکھانِ) in Urdu.
They have also been used for centuries as a snack food. As compared to walnuts, almonds, cashews, and other dry fruits, phool makhana is above all of them when it comes to nutritional value.
Many cuisines especially Indian cuisine use phool makhana. They can be used in various ways to reap their health benefits.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the 8 major phool makhana benefits for health. Moreover, we will also cover the nutritional aspects and usage of phool makhana.
If you want to learn more about phool makhana from an expert, then you can consult the best nutritionist in Pakistan.
8 Amazing Phool Makhana Benefits
Here are the 8 amazing phool makhana benefits that make them a perfect snack for everyone:
1. Act as Detoxifying Agent
Phool Makhana is enriched with antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help in neutralizing the free radicals. They also prevent oxidative stress.
Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid, and epicatechin are some of the antioxidants present in Phool Makhana.
Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining overall health. They provide prevention from many chronic diseases including cancer, type 2 diabetes, cancer, etc.
They also help by reducing inflammation in the body and aid in many inflammatory disorders such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
Also, Read Lotus Seeds Benefits for Fertility
2. Have Anti-Aging Properties
A few studies showed that some compounds present in Fox Nuts have anti-aging properties.
In fact, as per a review, Phool Makhana has numerous amino acids which are well-known for their anti-aging effects such as cystine, glutamine, methionine, arginine, etc.
Glutamine is used to create proline (an amino acid found in collagen). Glutamine is a compound that supports skin elasticity and skin hydration.
Arginine and methionine are involved in producing creatine. In some studies, it was seen that creatine is a compound that has anti-aging effects.
Moreover, Phool Makhana is also enriched with antioxidants that can help improve skin health and reduce the aging process.
Ms. Sadia Fatima (a clinical nutritionist) has also informed us about the many benefits of Phool Makhana.
3. Good Source of Nutrients
Phool Makhana is a good source of many essential nutrients. Each serving of phool makhana has a good amount of carbs and micronutrients such as phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, etc.
Calcium is known to support bone health, decrease cholesterol levels, and help in reducing blood pressure.
Similarly, magnesium is essential for a range of metabolic reactions in the body. It is also involved in muscle contractions, protein synthesis, nerve function, etc.
Despite their small size, lotus seeds are highly nutritious. Take them as a snack and you’ll see amazing health benefits such as controlled weight, good skin, healthy heart, and hormone balance.
100 grams of Phool Makhana consists of:
- Calories – 347
- Carbohydrates – 76.9 grams
- Proteins – 9.7 grams
- Fiber – 14.5 grams
- Fats – 0.1 grams
4. Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels
Some research showed that Phool Makhana can help in stabilizing better blood sugar levels.
An animal study conducted found that a specific compound isolated from Lotus seeds improved insulin and blood sugar levels in rats with diabetes.
Many other animal studies have shown that Makhana extract can enhance blood sugar level management.
However, more research is required to determine how Phool Makhana can affect blood sugar levels in humans.
In addition, makhana is safe for diabetes patients due to the rich amount of antioxidants and low glycemic index.
The carbs present in Fox Nuts are digested slowly resulting in a slowed release of glucose molecules in the blood. Therefore, it is a good choice for diabetes.
Also, Read 8 Amazing Phool Makhana Benefits in Pregnancy (Lotus Seeds)
5. Helps in Weight Loss
Consuming Phool Makhana is an excellent way to elevate protein and fiber (two key nutrients that help in weight loss) intake.
Protein has been seen to lessen food cravings and regulate the appetite.
On the other hand, fiber moves gradually through the digestive tract which gives a feeling of fullness throughout the day.
Some studies have shown that high fiber amount consumption can be linked to belly fat reduction and increased weight loss.
Nevertheless, more studies are needed to assess the effects of Phool Makhana on weight loss.
Moreover, if you want to lose weight and want an effective diet plan, then you can consult the best nutritionist in Pakistan.
6. Promotes Heart Health
Lotus seeds are full of magnesium and potassium which helps in the regulation of blood pressure rises in people with high blood pressure.
Conversely, Phool Makhanas have low sodium content. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for people with hypertension.
Additionally, makhana has low saturated fats and cholesterol levels; therefore, it is best for people with hypertension.
An animal study conducted in 2019 showed that giving Lotus seed extracts to rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for four weeks greatly lessened high triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels.
7. Promotes Digestion
Phool Makhana is a fiber-rich diet that helps with digestive health. It stimulates healthy bowel movements and controls constipation.
Consuming lotus seeds every day can aid in healthy bowel movements and digestion. Every fiber-rich diet helps in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Also, Read Makhana Benefits For Fertility You Should Know!
8. Help with Fertility Issues
If anyone has fertility issues, fox nuts can rescue them. They aid in premature ejaculation and improve the semen quality.
Moreover, it also helps women suffering from infertility.
How to Use Phool Makhana in Your Diet?
There are certain ways in which you can incorporate phool makhana into your diet. Some of them are as follows:
- You can roast Lotus seeds and season them with spices (black pepper, chili powder, sea salt, turmeric) and herbs
- You can also cut, roast, and use Phool Makhana in Kheer (a rice dessert in Pakistan)
- You can also make caramel Makhana using jaggery.
- You can also make Makhana Chat with different spices and vegetables (onion, tomatoes, lime juice, coriander, etc)
- You can simply eat them without any seasoning etc
The Bottom Line
Phool Makhana is a powerful and nutritious seed that is used all around the world specifically in Asia.
One should include lotus seeds in their daily routine to reap their health benefits.
It can be used in several recipes and can be consumed as a snack without any special cooking.
Now, if you’ve any query related to phool makhana, you can simply consult the best nutritionist in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Eat Makhana Daily?
Yes. One should eat a handful amount of makhana daily. It can make skin look healthy and also have many other health benefits.
2. What are Makhana’s Side Effects?
People suffering from any medical condition should talk to their doctor or a professional nutritionist before taking fox seeds. It lowers blood sugar levels and its excessive intake can cause flatulence, constipation, and bloating.
3. Is Phool Makhana Good for Sperm?
Yes. Phool Makhana is good for male fertility. It raises the stickiness of semen which improves semen quantity and quality. It also boosts sexual desire and prevents early ejaculation.