Why should you Snack on Fox Nuts?
Fox nuts are dried lotus seeds. They are seeds from an aquatic crop grown in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, land depressions etc.
Fox nuts are also called as makhana, black diamond, gorgon nuts etc. It is found in India, Japan, Korea, China, Russia and other countries. Its scientific name is Euryale Salisb.
It has been used as a medicinal plant since several hundred years. In Chinese medicine it was used to support spleen and kidneys. The edible seeds look like popcorn when they are popped.
They have a crunchy texture and do not have any specific flavor. Hence they can be blended with any foods or spice and herbs and eaten.
Fox nuts are quite low on calories while contain a good amount of a list of nutrients.
They should be stored in air-tight containers for longer shelf life.
Some of its Health Benefits are as follows
- Help in Diabetes Management
Fox nuts are low glycemic food i.e. they do not raise blood glucose to a high level after consumption. They cause a blunt response of glucose in blood. Hence help in managing diabetes and keeping a good control on it.
2. May help in Weight Loss
They contain protein and are low on calories thus making them a perfect food to be used in a diet for weight loss and may help reduce weight along with the other foods in the diet, exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle.
3. Good for Bones and Muscles
Fox nuts contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium which help in maintaining the skeletal strength. Calcium and iron may also help maintain and build muscle tissue along with a right kind of weight bearing exercises and diet.
4. Contain Iron
Iron carries out a number of functions in the body, the major one being maintenance of hemoglobin level and prevention of anemia.
5. Anti-Ageing
Fox nuts are a rich source of flavonols — antioxidants. They are known to perform anti-aging functions such as destroying free oxygen radicals that damage various cells in the body and affects the functioning and working on those tissues or organs. Hence may be helpful in taking care of skin, hair, vision etc.
6. Good for Heart
Fox nuts being rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium — their consumption is good for promoting heart health and may assist in preventing heart disease.
7. Analgesic Properties
They are believed to reduce the pain in arthritis.
8. It is believed to be an Aphrodisiac
They may help in improving the quality of semen and thus assist in supporting fertility.
9. Beneficial for Managing Blood Pressure
It is low in sodium, while a good source of magnesium and potassium. This is a great combination as far as managing blood pressure is concerned. Thus could be included in diet to prevent or control high blood pressure.
10. Contain Zinc
Fox nuts are a good source of zinc, a nutrient considered important for improving the immune power of the body. Also it helps in would healing, hence can be given after a trauma, surgery, injury or such a disease wherein there physical damage to any of the organs or parts of the body. It even helps in enhancing the action of insulin.
Eating popped fox nuts as a Snack, Main Course and in Salads!
- Popped fox nuts can make a great mid meal snack. They can be eaten plain as they are — but if you don’t like the bland taste, you may add some dried herbs such as oregano/thyme or spice powder/a pinch of salt and pepper/chili flakes etc. to it and eat
- Fox nuts can be added to vegetables and made into a Fox Nut- Vegetable stir fry or Fox Nut-Tofu Stir Fry
- It can be added to curries to improve its nutritive value
- Cooked Soya Nuggets and Fox Nut Mix
- Fox nuts can be added to various salad recipes as well
I am sure now you know how you can include fox nuts in your diet. So the next time you see a pack of fox nuts/makhana on that health store shelf, don’t just pass by. Grab one and make certain to eat and share the same with your friends and family!
Please Note
For any blood tests or various health checkups in Mumbai, please visit www.healthdekho.com
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