Having a baby is the most awaited event in people’s life.  People make all sorts of plans regarding their and their partner’s health before conception as well as after the delivery.  One of the major concerns for the mother to be is the kind of food she should eat.  Doctor’s suggest many foods that should be avoided during pregnancy but there are certain foods that come into the category of healthy food like green vegetables, dry fruits & nuts, dairy products etc.  One such food that is recommended for pregnant women is fox nut or Makhana and some know it as lotus seeds. 

Makhana has been used as one of the most effective seed for medicinal purposes mainly in Asia.  It can be used in various ways, you can either eat it raw or add it in your dishes to enhance its nutritional value.

Although fox seeds do not have much taste of their own but they are nice and crunchy and taste good when fried with salt.  Makhana is a nutritional food as it is packed with magnesium, iron, potassium, Vitamin B, amino acids, antioxidants and calcium which are off course essential during pregnancy.  They are low in calories therefore ladies can eat them without having to worry about gaining extra pounds as well.

Makhana health benefits are:   

Eating Makhana during pregnancy can help a woman to stay healthy and energetic. 

1.  Makhana has a mild sedative property which helps the women to sleep better.  Sleeping during pregnancy especially during the last trimester can become stressful due to gaining weight of the baby as well as the mother.  Since Makhana seeds have vitamins and antioxidants in it, it helps in regulating the body’s mechanism thus, allows the body to relax and help you sleep better. 
2. A lot of women experience an upset stomach or diarrhea during pregnancy mainly because of hormonal imbalance.  Makhana seeds have alkaloids which relives the antispasmodic action of the intestines which results in treating diarrhea.  
3. Makhana not only comes into the category of high protein foods but does a lot more.  They regulate blood pressure as well.  Makhana seeds have a bitter tasting embryo called “isoquinoline” which helps in dilating the blood vessels which controls the blood pressure especially during pregnancy and keeps the mother and the child safe. 
4. If you feel that pregnancy is taking a toll on your skin then eating Makhana daily can help you keep your skin hydrated.  You can make fox nut tea and sip if every day to keep you skin moisturized and to prevent keratinocytes forming onto your skin.  This will make your skin glow during your sleepless nights.  
5. A lot of women tend to experience raised blood sugar levels during pregnancy which can be a major threat to their and their unborn baby’s health.  Makhana has vitamin B complex and is high in fiber which keeps the blood sugar levels in check.  
6. Makhana also comes in the category of protein foods therefore it is an excellent way of supporting the development of the fetus.  It helps in developing fetal brain and nervous system.
7. It is loaded with essential minerals like iron and phosphorous therefore it helps in detoxifying your body which leads to a better metabolism.  
8. Makhana is great for bone strength.  It is packed with calcium and works wonders for people suffering with arthritis and osteoporosis.  So, if you are expecting then load up on Makhana to keep your bones strong to keep you feeling strong after delivery.  
9. Let us not forget about Makhana’s beauty benefits.  Since, it has a significant amount of proteins it keeps wrinkles and black spots at bay.  A lot of women experience acne during pregnancy due to their hormones going haywire and Kaempferol helps in keeping the pain and redness away.  It also keeps free radicals away from the skin as it is a strong antioxidant.  It will keep you glowing all through your pregnancy.
10. Pregnancy especially the last trimester can make you feeling tired but having a handful or two of makhana daily will keep the fatigue away.  It has iron, zinc, tons of protein and minerals which keeps you feeling fresh and energetic. 

Ways on including Makhana in your diet during pregnancy

Makhanas are packed with nutrition and how you eat does not really make a difference in its properties.  You can either eat them raw by adding some salt, honey or butter to it and have it with a hot cup of tea/coffee.  You can stir fry it in desi ghee and add some salt to it, to munch on it as a snack.  You can also add them to your kheer or porridge and feed yourself during those hunger pangs during the day.  Fox nuts are a healthy way of keeping yourself fit during pregnancy but it is important to know how much of it you can have each day.  You can two or three handful of makhana each day as you want to eat it.  Eating too much of it can cause some discomfort to a pregnant woman. 

Side effects of eating too much Makhana during pregnancy 

You must have heard that anything beyond its limit can be harmful and the same applies to Makhana as well especially if you are expecting.  We already know that Makhana is a nutritional food but eating too much of fox nut can lead to constipations, bloating and flatulence.  Although Makhana is good for keeping the blood sugar levels low but eating too much of it can reduce the blood sugar levels to a dangerous level.  Also, one should know if they are allergic to nuts and seeds before eating Makhana, if so, consult your doctor to prevent any health issues.  

So, ladies now that you know the benefits of eating foxnuts during pregnancy, stock up on them and use it is various dishes to keep you glowing, happy and healthy before you get that bundle of joy to take care of.  You can easily buy Makhana online but  remember to check your doctor for any allergies and remember not to each too much of it to avoid any discomfort.