Makhanas, also called fox nuts, or lotus seeds, come from a plant called Euryale Fox which grows in the stagnant water of wetlands or ponds in Eastern Asia.

Ingredients/Health Benefits

They are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. This makes them an ideal snack to satiate those in-between meal hunger pangs.

They are beneficial to those suffering from high blood pressure, heart diseases and obesity due to their high magnesium and low sodium content.

Makhanas are recommended for diabetics too due to their low glycemic index.

An anti-ageing enzyme in these seeds is said to help repair damaged proteins.

In addition, the presence of a natural flavonoid called kaempferol (also present in coffee), helps prevent inflammation and ageing.

Ayurvedic beliefs suggest that fox nuts astringent properties that benefit the kidneys.

Makhanas are gluten-free, protein rich and high in carbohydrates.

Ayurvedic and Unani medicine believe them to have aphrodisiac properties.

Usage

You can roast the seeds or fry them in a little ghee wherein they pop and resemble popcorn.

A paste made with lotus seeds is used as a key ingredient in many Japanese and Chinese desserts and also used in Chinese traditional medicine

The seed itself has a very neutral taste and takes on the flavours that are added to it.