FOX NUTS (MAKHANA)

Euryale which is also known as Makhana, Phool Makhana, Foxnut, lotus seeds, Gorgon nut, Euryale Ferox commonly found in Bihar and in Loktak Lake Manipur. The Makhana plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India. In India around 63% of the total Makhana production comes from Bihar. Makhana is highly nutritious, fully organic non-cereal food superior to dry fruits such as almonds, walnut, coconut and cashewnut in term of sugar, protein, ascorbic acid and phenol content. Makhana seeds are often roasted or fried then eaten with a sprinkling of oil and spices. The present project profile envisages manufacturing of ready to eat Makhana snacks in different flavours.

Makhana is rich in protein which is extremely beneficial to the body. Lotus seed contains an abundant amount of magnesium which is the highest channel blocker and significantly improves the blood and oxygen. It has various other nutritional benefit and is widely consumed in India on different occasions too.

a bowl of mushrooms with the words health benefits of mushrooms

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FOX NUTS (MAKHANA) ARE:

1) Fox nuts have really high protein content. Having a bowl of fox nuts will fill you up and also keep the calories in check.

2) Fox nuts make for great anti-ageing food as they have an abundance of anti-oxidants. Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid as well as epicatechin are some of the beneficial antioxidant substances found in Makhana nuts. These may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and chronic conditions like diabetes.

3) Fox nuts are great snack food for diabetics and heart patients as they contain good fat and have a low quantity of saturated fats. These properties make makhanas good weight-loss food.

4) Fox nuts are high in fibre. The digestive process gets sorted with them as they prevent constipation and add bulk to the stool.

5) Fox nuts are great detoxifying agents. They aid in flushing out toxins from the body. They are really beneficial to the spleen which is like a graveyard for cells in the body. It recycles the RBCs (red blood cells). The spleen is the nerve centre of the immune system because it also stores white blood cells and platelets.

6) Having fertility issues? Fox nuts will come to the rescue. Touted as an aphrodisiac, they help with premature ejaculation, improve the quality of semen and help women suffering from infertility.

7) Fox nuts have a low glycemic index which means that they release glucose slowly in the blood. This keeps you feeling full for longer.

8) Those suffering from wheat allergies can gorge on fox nuts as they are gluten-free but still high in protein and carbohydrate content.

9) They are high in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium. High potassium and low sodium is a great combination for patients suffering from hypertension. The potassium brings down the blood pressure and sodium tries to bring it up.

10) Apart from magnesium, potassium, and sodium, foxnuts also contain a high amount of calcium. This means they fall under the category of foods that are good for the bones as well as the teeth.