Benefits of Fox Nuts

What are Fox Nuts?

Fox nut or Euryale ferox is a flowering plant classified under the water lily family. The seed portion of Euryale ferox plant is called fox nut, which is popularly known as makhana or gorgon nuts or phool makhana.

Origin of Fox Nuts

Fox nuts or makhana are mainly cultivated in East Asia, especially in India, China, Japan and also in some parts of eastern Russia for its edible starchy seeds, which are used in Indian cuisines and medicines for its nutritive as well as medicinal uses.

As geographical and climatic reasons, Bihar in India is a paradise for Makhana production. Nearly 63 percent of the total Makhana production comes from Bihar. It has both nutritive and medicinal uses.

Makhana or Phool Makahana also gains importance in religious ceremonies in India and is a popular "fasting" food prepared during Navratri and other occasions.

Nutritional Facts on Fox Nuts

Fox nuts are packed with the goodness of protein, carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorus, fiber, magnesium, iron and zinc. These essential nutrients make this magical round balls a healthy ingredient to your diet.

Fox nuts are now attaining popularity because of the low sodium and high magnesium content which makes them very healthful for those suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

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Fox nuts are also an excellent source of kaempferol, a natural flavonoid which prevents inflammation and aging. In addition, they are rich in phytonutrients such as alkaloids, gallic acid, and saponins which offer cancer-fighting properties.

Makhana is also gluten-free and can be added to daily cereals and soups. It may help improve health and also aid in losing or gaining weight, if consumed as required diet.

Popped Makhana is used in the preparation of numerous delicious and healthy sweet dishes, pudding and milk based sweets. The seed is analgesic and aphrodisiac, therefore used in the preparations of many Ayurvedic medicines.