India is known over the world for its culture, history and discoveries. We, throughout history, have always taken pride in the fact health and lifestyles are built on natural and herbal remedies. Being guided by nature is the best kind of help we can get physically and mentally. Hence looking forward to nature when it comes to treating various illnesses with Ayurvedic herbs and spices is considered to be a safe route.

WHAT ARE AYURVEDIC SUPERFOODS?

Superfoods are said to be the type of foods that have multiple health benefits and consists of various forms of nutrients. In terms of Ayurveda, a superfood must consist of two basic qualities. 

1. It should promote SATTVA of the mind: Sattva refers to the clarity of mind and the characteristics of the individual being contained peaceful still compassionate loving and kind. This kind of joy can be harvested with the help of practice and change your diet.
2.  It should nourish the OJAS within you: Gorgeous refers to the liquid which is golden in colour. It is usually referred to as something that tastes like that honey and smells like that of toasted rice, wall hanging the golden tinge of ghee. Ojas as the source of strength and immunity in our body that helps us fight diseases and protects us. Brings about mental resilience and provides mental support. It also boosts our patience creativity and faith. Hence consuming food that enhances our Ojas is very important.

IS MAKHANA A SUPERFOOD?

A handful of makhana roasted in ghee is not only crunchy, crispy, and delicious, but also has properties that of superfoods. Makhana is basically the seeds of the lotus flowers. Also known as Fox nuts or Eurayle ferox, it is a particular species of water lily which is commonly known as Phool makhana. Described in the Ayurveda, these seeds have similar properties to that of Padma Beeja or lotus seeds. 

It is known to be one of the greatest superfoods considering its unique dietary powerhouse properties. It has a very versatile taste and can be had bland, roasted or even put into something salty, savoury or sweet. It has a neutral yet creamy taste, which can be transformed into what suits you best. 

Lotus seed makhanas were very popularly used in common households during fastings and as offerings to gods. In India, even now, during Navratri or Ekadashi, the ritual of fasting is often broken by having fox nuts seeds instead of grains or cereals. Bought from local fox nut wholesale sellers, it is a common offering to god or prasad available across various Mandirs in India where they are soaked and then sweetened and then offered as a prasad. 

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES OF MAKHANAS

It has been classified in the ancient Vedas as an underwater aquatic plant and a vegetable. According to the scriptures of Ayurveda, makhana is said to have the following properties:

1. Madhur - It is considered to have a sweet taste after digestion
2. Sheeta Virya - It has very good cold potency
3. Guru - It is said to be heavy in nature and it has one of the most beneficial healing properties of the ayurvedic remedy
4. Snigdha - Snigdha refers to its oily and unctuous property. This property is essential as it balances the Pitta and Vata doshas.
5. Vrushya - This improves vigour and vitality and serves as an aphrodisiac.
6. Balya - This property improves your strengths and boosts your immunity.
7. Grahi - This helps absorb unnecessary nutrients and produces watery diarrhoea.
8. Garba Samsthapaka - This protects the mother and child during the phase of pregnancy.

NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF MAKHANAS

Fox nuts are a rich source of calcium and have calming properties, which are said to bring down insomnia and restlessness. Fox nuts have a high tendency to attract free radicals and are an excellent source of antioxidant. It has distinctive flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-ageing enzymes that help you repair the protein structures which have been damaged within your body. Apart from these benefits, Phool makhana seeds are a great source of magnesium, protein, phosphorus, zinc and iron. 

HOW TO INCORPORATE MAKHANA IN YOUR REGULAR DIET

1. A breakfast substitute: 

Instead of processed breakfast cereals, makhanas from reputed fox nut manufacturers in India makes a great substitute. Apart from being extremely nutritious, it is easy to make and is quite filling. It can be had by dunking it in warm milk, making it a healthy and satisfying breakfast option.

2. Makes a yummy addition to any mean:

You can cook yourself a savoury Indian dish like poha, upma any similar Indian breakfast you can also add them two dishes made of rice like pulao and biryani. Once you have finished cooking your main dish you can boost its nutritional content by adding makhana from the makhana sellers in Bihar. 

You can have the makhana roasted or powdered and then have them added to any kheer or raita which makes a great addition.

3. Healthy, crunchy snack

Instead of having the deep fry and rancid potato chips or popcorns loaded with saturated fats, crispy and crunchy Phool makhana snacks are the best way to go and can be had with various spice mixtures.

WHO CAN CONSUME MAKHANA?

Fox Nut Makhana is a safe and healthy product that can be consumed by anybody and at any time of day. Makhana has a property increasing constipation. Hence, if a person is already affected by constipation or has any gastric diseases, the person should avoid having makhana to be relieved of constipation.

It is also indicated to be consumed during pregnancy and also when one starts lactating after birth. If one has been trying to conceive, consuming makhanas have proven to be beneficial. It improves fertility and increases the chances of conception for both men and women.

If your body is undergoing signs of hair thinning, premature greying, high blood pressure as well as stress then you are showing signs of excess pitta. Your body showing signs of restlessness, insomnia, hair loss, dry skin, dry hair and fluctuating appetite, are all indicative of excess vata. These doshas can be curbed by regularly consuming makhana.

WANT TO BUY MAKHANAS FOR HOME?

The best kind of makhanas should always be bought from renowned fox nut manufacturers in India. Being locally manufactured in Bihar, makhana producers of Bihar are a great source for buying them. 

NUTVULPES brings to you the best kind of makhana of the highest quality. Freshly harvested from the lakes of Bihar and other parts of India, NUTVULPES gives you the clean and fresh variety available in the market. 

They can be also bought locally from your nearby makhana wholesalers or any fox nut seller in Bihar. You can also buy makhana online and be certain to receive the power-packed Ayurvedic health benefits that you desire.