Lotus seeds – Erakina

Introduction

Makhana, a type of seed, is produced by the Euryale ferox plant. Fox nuts and lotus seeds are other names for these seeds. Makhanas are widely grown throughout Asia and are widely utilized in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of diseases. They’re also roasted and eaten as a savoury snack or used in curries, side dishes, and desserts.

About

The lotus seed is employed as a dry powder in the dough to increase the bread’s functional characteristics. This lotus seed is employed as a traditional medicinal component to treat inflammation, cancer, diuretics, and skin disorders such as insomnia, palpitations, poor digestion, chronic diarrhoea, enteritis, and cancer. It’s high in carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin A, and tocopherol, as well as other critical minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sodium. They’re also high in phytochemicals, which have important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

The following are six of makhana’s most important benefits.

• Abundant in Nutrients

Makhana is high in various vital nutrients and is a perfect supplement to a healthy, well-balanced diet. Each meal includes a good amount of carbs and is high in various micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

Calcium, in particular, has been shown to assist with bone health, pressure control, and cholesterol reduction. Magnesium, on the other hand, is required for a range of metabolic activities within the body, including protein synthesis, muscle contractions, neuron function, and more.

• Antioxidant-rich food

Lotus seed includes a lot of antioxidants, which are chemicals that help to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Antioxidants like acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin are found in Makhana. In line with research, antioxidants are thought to play a role in a variety of health areas, including the prevention of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Antioxidants can even reduce inflammation in inflammatory diseases like rheumatism, gout, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

• Blood sugar levels may be stabilised

According to certain studies, makhana may aid in better blood sugar management.

For example, feeding diabetic rats a supplement containing makhana extract improved blood sugar management and increased several antioxidant enzymes, in line with one animal study.

A compound derived from makhana seeds was found to enhance glucose and insulin levels in diabetic rats in another animal study.

Several other animal studies have yielded similar results, implying that makhana extract may aid blood sugar regulation.

However, keep in mind that the animals during this study got unusually large doses of makhana extract. As a result, more studies are needed to judge how makhana affects blood glucose levels in humans when consumed in regular dosages.

• Weight loss may be aided

Including makhana seeds in your diet may be a great way to boost your protein and fiber intake, all of which are vital nutrients for weight loss.

Protein, in particular, has been shown to assist in appetite control and reduce food cravings.

Fibre, on the other hand, passes slowly through your gastrointestinal tract, keeping you full throughout the day.

According to research, eating more fibre has been associated with lower belly fat and weight loss. More research is required to work out the advantages of makhana on weight loss specifically.

• It may have anti-ageing qualities

According to several studies, some chemicals discovered in makhana may have potent anti-aging benefits. In reality, makhana contains numerous amino acids renowned for their anti-aging benefits, including glutamine, cystine, arginine, and methionine, in step with one review.

Proline is an organic compound found in collagen, a molecule that aids in skin hydration and suppleness, and it is made with glutamine.

Creatine, a molecule that has been demonstrated to have anti-ageing properties in various older studies, is additionally made up of methionine and arginine. Makhana also contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which may help to improve skin health and slow the aging process.

• Heart health may be improved

Despite the shortage of individual studies, animal trials have shown makhana seeds to be beneficial for heart health.

Giving makhana extract to rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for four weeks lowered their high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in line with one animal study. In another animal investigation, Makhana extract was reported to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats.

Furthermore, makhana extract was proven to protect the heart from injury and to help neutralise damaging free radicals in an older animal study. More research is required, however, to determine how makhana affects heart health in individuals when consumed as part of a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Makhana is an Asian seed variety. It’s abundant in antioxidants and micronutrients, and it should help impede the aging process while also boosting heart health, blood sugar regulation, and weight loss. It should even be used in a variety of recipes, including appetisers, main courses, and desserts, and it’s quite versatile.