If you have also been fretting over some unhealthy snacks for a long time, then not to worry now. The perfect solution to satisfy these unhealthy cravings is to eat makhanas. There are many makhana benefits for skin, health and hair. Makhanas are also known as lotus seeds and fox nuts. It is a healthy snack because of its nutritious value. These seeds come from makhana plant which is also known as Euryale that is cultivated in stagnant water. Now if you have reached till here and got our attention, so to know more makhana benefits for skin, health and hair then glide down to our blog.
What is Makhana ?
Makhana is a dry fruit which is cultivated in the Eastern Asia. These white colour seeds are generally eaten during fasting and are also used to make Indian sweet dishes. The nutritional value of makhana is so high that in Chinese culture it has been used as ayurvedic remedy to cure heart diseases for 3000 years now. Makhanas are used for different purposes such as, eaten during an evening snack, and can also be used in preparing different dishes.
Makhana Nutritional Value
Lotus seeds benefits are attributed to its rich nutritional value that makes it an ayurvedic remedy. The below information is about the value of makhana nutrition per 100 grams.
100 grams of makhana gives 350 calories, 77 grams of carbohydrates, 9.7 grams of proteins, 0.1 grams of proteins. Beside this it contains the following minerals and vitamins.
- Calcium – 52.2 mg
- Iron – 1.1 mg
- Potassium – 367 mg
- Magnesium – 67.2 mg
- Copper – 0.1 mg
- Folate – 33.3?g
- Niacin – 0.5 mg
- Zinc – 0.3 mg
- Thiamine – 0.2 mg
- Phosphorous – 200.3 mg
- Vitamin A – 1?g
- Vitamin B-6 – 0.2 mg
Must Known Makhana Benefits For Skin
1. Prevents aging of the skin
Our skin is regularly directly exposed to air, solar radiation and other environmental pollutants. These factors are capable of inducing the generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Free radicals try to grab an extra electron from the atoms in the skin to stabilize themselves on human skin. When certain molecules are taken away from skin, it causes oxidative stress and DNA damage and this leads to skin aging.
The antioxidants such as, polyphenols, vitamins and flavonoids can reduce the concentration of free radicals in the tissues. Lotus seeds or makhana possess antioxidant properties and are a rich source of flavonoids. So regularly eating makhanas can give you necessary antioxidants. As a result it will help in preventing skin aging.
2. Protects from skin cancer
Exposure of the skin to UV radiations leads to inflammation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, deregulation of cellular signalling pathways and immunosuppression and all this leads to skin cancer. Studies have proved that UV radiation contributes up to 80% and is the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer.
One research done by Liu et al. reported that ethanol extracts of fox nuts are useful in the treatment of tissue inflammation and cancer. Another study done by Park et all. states that lotus seeds can prevent oxidizing damage to the DNA. Another experiment proves that polyphenols have anti-inflammatory, DNA repair and capability, and this acts as a protective agent against the adverse effects of UV radiation. Lotus seeds contain “flavonoids” which help in reducing the adverse effect of UV radiation and can prevent skin cancer.
3. Maintains skin moisture
Moisture content is one of the most important factors in maintaining the beauty and health of the skin. In the absence of moisture content, skin loses its glow and elasticity. UV radiation to the skin damages keratinocytes, which cause thickness of the keratin layer and as a result it leads to dehydration. Makhana intake has been to prevent drying of the skin due to UV radiation to a certain degree.
4. Prevents inflammation
The signs and symptoms of inflammation can be an uncomfortable and uneasy situation. Inflammation can be good for a short period and a sign that our immune system is naturally healing an injury or fighting an infection. However, sometimes inflammation can persist for longer than necessary and this may cause a sense of concern.
One research has suggested that makhana could help to reduce inflammation. The purified polysaccharides from makhana can exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Prevents acne
Acne is the most common skin problem which is common among young adults and adolescents. One research has proven that diet plays a very important role in the prevention and treatment of acne. In another study, omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin A, antioxidants, and zinc have been proven that these are beneficial in the treatment of acne. Lotus seeds or fox nuts have these nutrients. So eating makhana regularly will help in reducing your acne.
