Makhana: The sub-continental superfood

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Crunchy, tasty, and easy to cook up, indulge in these foxy nuts for a hearty, fulfilled diet, says Tamanna Moolchandani, CEO at Pop N Hop

By Tamanna Moolchandani

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Published: Wed 28 Oct 2020, 3:16 PM

Last updated: Wed 28 Oct 2020, 5:28 PM

As we tread on the path to becoming healthier and fitter versions of ourselves, we have to let go of the bad guys in our diet, which includes our favourite snacks.

But, there comes a point when the craving strikes again and you find yourself wishing there'd be a snack that's healthy, low calorie and still delicious enough to keep cravings satisfied. Then Makhana is the answer to your prayers!


Makhana, also called fox nuts or lotus seeds, come from a plant called Euryale Fox that grows in the stagnant water of wetlands or ponds in Eastern Asia. They have been used in Chinese medicine for 3,000 years and holds an important place in the science of Ayurveda too.

Lotus seeds are loaded with a multitude of benefits for women. Here's why you need to include this power-packed snack in your diet right away!


. With the world battling a pandemic, boosting our immunity is now more important than ever. Lotus seeds are a proven immunity booster.

. They're super beneficial to the spleen - nerve centre of our immunity and storehouse of white blood cells.

. Lotus seeds are vegan, paleo-friendly and gluten-free. They can slip into most diets with ease.

. In both men and women, lotus seeds are believed to improve fertility rates.

. Lotus seeds are loaded with folate, a key nutrient during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. It helps in brain development of the fetus. This makes it a great snacking option during pregnancy.

. Food for the skin. Since Lotus seeds are packed with antioxidants, a handful every day can keep you looking younger and making your skin glow. PS: Choose non-fried options.

. If you're on a weight loss spree, lotus seeds can be your go-to snack! They're loaded with all the good stuff like protein, magnesium, potassium and low in calories, fat and sodium.They also have a low glycemic index and hence keep you feeling full longer.

. Lotus seeds are anti-inflammatory; you can snack on them without having to worry about bloating.

. The low glycaemic index and low sodium content makes it a convenient snack for people suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

. Healthy alternative for kids: Packed with flavour and crunch your kids will love this healthy snacking treat. The high calcium content in fox nuts is good for bone and teeth health in growing kids.

Back in the day, lotus seeds were an economical raw material. In the recent years, the world is opening up to the wonders of this superfood. This has created an upward surge in demand and prices; but the cost per gram is still easy on the pocket over options like kettle cooked chips, protein bars and the like.

What's even more interesting is that you no longer have to eat Makhana raw or plain. I became a fan of the superfood while on my fitness journey. I began experimenting with flavours and cooking methods and in 2017, she launched Pop N Hop.

Brands like Pop N Hop with their award-winning flavours like Peri Peri, Salt and Caramel, etc. keep your taste buds satisfied. The lotus seeds are roasted in olive oil which keeps the health factor in check. Each pack is loaded with- all of the flavor and none of the guilt.

There's more to love and less to fret about when you're picking up a bag of lotus seeds. It's definitely the new popcorn. If you didn't already know about this super star and it's benefits as a healthy snack, give them a go.


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