Though pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and rewarding phases of life, it may throw multiple health challenges. During pregnancy, you need to avoid certain foods and need to eat certain foods to keep your growing foetus healthy. One such healthy ready-to-go snack are makhanas, also called lotus seeds, gorgon nuts or fox nuts.
Makhanas have been popularly used for medicinal purposes and are a regular part of various Asian cuisines. You can consume makhana both in raw and cooked form, either of which is highly delicious and nutritious.
Is makhana good for pregnant ladies?
Makhana seeds are one of the perfect snacks to satisfy your frequent hunger pangs. These seeds are crunchy and tasty and come with multiple health benefits.
Ayurveda considers eating makhana in pregnancy beneficial at all times. The nutritional value of makhana is very high. In addition, it is gluten-free, rich in fibre, has low saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol, which makes it an ideal snack.
Makhanas are delicious go-to snacks while watching your favourite movie or grocery shopping. Makhana serves as a healthy and safe option to consume during any stage of pregnancy.
Is makhana good in pregnancy first trimester?
Lotus seeds offer multiple health benefits and are safe to be consumed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Here are the benefits provided by consuming makhanas in pregnancy:
- Makhana is rich in proteins, minerals, and several vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Niacin, Potassium, Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, and Folates.
- Makhanas contain anti-aging enzymes and promote healing. They reduce wrinkles and dark spots.
- As makhanas are rich in magnesium, potassium, flavonoids, and “isoquinoline”, they help to dilate blood vessels regulating blood pressure.
- Makhanas improve metabolism as they contain minerals like iron and phosphorus.
- They also help in fighting insomnia which is a common occurrence in pregnancy.
- Makhanas reduce sugar and inflammation and are used as the best diabetic snack.
- Makhanas are rich in calcium which promotes bone health. Even people with osteoporosis and arthritis are advised to consume makhanas regularly.
- They also relieve aches and bleeding in the gums.
- Eating makhanas in pregnancy also promote smooth bowel movement, which could be a challenge in early pregnancy due to hormonal variations.
Studies have found that makhanas can even improve fertility by increasing sperm count in men and making the lining of the uterus stronger in women.
Harmful effects of makhanas
Makhanas must be avoided during pregnancy in case:
- If you develop rashes or itching, or any other allergic symptom after consuming them.
- If you experience gas and bloating after consuming makhanas.
- If your sugar levels keep fluctuating, especially during pregnancy, makhanas can further reduce your sugar level.
How Much Makhana To Eat During Pregnancy?
Having 2-3 handfuls of makhanas per day will suffice all your needs. The rest of the hunger can be satiated with fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals.
Quick Makhana recipe
Take about 1 tablespoon of ghee in a kadhai and let it heat. Add makhanas to ghee and stir on a medium flame to roast them. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chaat masala, red chili powder, and roasted jeera powder to makhanas once roasted. Stir for 1-2 minutes more on a low flame for spices to get coated on makhanas, and your crunchy Indian popcorns are ready! You can add any seasoning of your choice to give a twist to the taste.
If you have a sweet tooth, then you can use makhanas to cook porridge or sweet dishes to control your pregnancy cravings.
Is makhana hot or cold in nature?
Makhanas are the best Ayurveda superfood with traditional ‘sheeta veerya’ (cold potency). For this reason, they are considered safe to be consumed during pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Makhanas have properties similar to padma beeja (lotus seeds), an aquatic vegetable. This superfood also finds its mention in ‘Atharva Veda’ as ‘Andika’ or an aquatic plant. Makhanas are consumed during fasting in our Indian tradition and during Ekadashi. They are also offered as prasad in temples and are a great supplement to cereals.
Does makhana increase weight in babies?
There isn’t any clear-cut research stating the role of makhana in increasing the weight in babies. But, makhanas, calorie-dense food, offer multiple benefits, as seen above. The same set of benefits extends to the babies as well.
You can try makhanas as kheer, as dry roasted salted snacks, or can even make potato-makhana tikkis out of them. You can also prepare fox nut cereal powder and carry it while traveling.
Makhanas are a great option to carry while travelling and it is anyways a snack to munch on daily, specially while having a movie time with your friends and family.
