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Friday, April 11, 2014

Lotus Seeds or Makhanas - Anti aging and diarrhoea home remedy

                                                        As Calming as the Lotus Flower!



While I was a shopping at a grocery store, my little one came across these cute looking lotus seeds (fresh ones). He was taken by their appearance and wished to savour them then and there. Well, I did not know how to use the fresh lotus seeds, but little that I knew was that they might need to be cooked. Also, I had always tried the dry or the puffed version, the makhanas.
Fresh lotus seeds have been extensively used by Chinese, in their foods like soups, desserts for its health benefits as well as the appealing taste. Whereas, Indians use more of the puffed lotus seeds known to us as Makhanas, as a quick snack, curries and desserts.
Here are some of its health benefits :-
It is high in fiber, so it helps to maintain good gut health.
It is digestive for age groups and due to its astringent property, Chinese use it to treat diarrhea and in improving appetite.
Its anti - inflammatory properties helps prevent many degenerative diseases like diabetes mellitus, heart problems and even cancers.
As Makhana are powerful antioxidants they also known as anti aging foods. Aging is also a result of adverse effects of free radicals in the body.
Makhana acts as an aphrodisiac. It increases quality and quantity of semen, prevents premature ejaculation, increases libido and helps in female infertility.
Regulates blood pressure as they are low in sodium and high in potassium. Hence, a very beneficial food for the hypertensive people.
It can also treat insomnia, palpitations and irritability.
It strengthens the heart.
It strengthens the body and reduces burning sensation and quenches thirst.
According to the Chinese medicine, fox nut or Makhana is used to strengthen spleen and kidneys.
Herbalists foind it helpful in preventing early discharge of semen and restores sexual vigor in older men.
It is also recommended for the women during pregnancy and post natal weaknesses.
They are low in calories, fat and high in fiber and proteins. Hence, can be a good food for diabetics as well as for weight watchers.
A small but logical tip :-
Because they help maintain the moisture levels of our body cells, and due to their highly beneficial nutrition profile, one can just roast a bag of makhanas, or popped lotus seeds and slightly season it with salt and spices and can use it as a travel food. That's what I do when I am out on a sunny day.
If you are running short of time, you can simply munch on them without roasting to suit yourself.
( Left - Fresh Lotus seeds, Right - Seasoned Puffed Lotus seeds / Makhanas)