What more can I say? Fox nuts great taste keeps you mute for a while, knowing the long list of benefits leaves you amazed. Fox nuts are also known as makhana, water lily seeds, euryale and the gorgon. I could remember going to my friend’s house then in high school, her mother used to feed us fox nuts, and that was where my whole fox nuts’ experience took off.
Fox nut has both nutritive as well as medicinal uses. ‘’Euryale’’ is derived from the mythical Greek word ‘’Gorgon’’ and both words are synonyms. Thus, this plant is also called gorgun nut.
How are fox nuts produced? Fox nuts are dried lotus seeds. They are seeds from an aquatic crop grown in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes and depressions etc.
Fox Nuts can be eaten raw, roasted or ground. Soaked in the water overnight, makhana or water lily seeds can be added to soups, salads or other gravy dishes.
This water lily seeds are found in India, Japan, Korea, China, Russia, and other countries. It has been used as a medicinal plant since several hundred years. In Chinese medicine, it was used to support spleen and kidneys. Fox nuts looks like popcorn when they are popped.
The main benefits and uses of fox nuts include:
Essential for heart
Fox nuts over the years have aided the heart efficiency. The recent studies have revealed antioxidant effects of fox nuts. Its antioxidant activities are due to the presence of glucosides. In addition, studies have shown fox nuts can reduce the risk of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury.
Fox nuts have low saturated fats and so are perfect for consumption by heart patients and normal people who are health conscious.
Do you know Fox Nuts are rich in Protein?
The protein content in fox nut is about 6 grams per serving, which is quite high as compared to the processed grains and other foods we have these days. Protein rich food is very good for the muscular tissue of the body. Proteins make up the muscles and are regularly needed to repair the wear and tear in the body.
Fox Nuts help in diabetes management
Fox nuts are low glycemic food, that is, they do not raise blood glucose to a high level after consumption. They cause a blunt response of glucose in blood. Hence help in managing diabetes and keeping a good control on it.
They contain iron
Iron carries out a number of functions in the body, the major one being maintenance of the hemoglobin level and prevention of anemia.
Anti-Ageing
Some of us wouldn’t want to get older; fox nuts are good food for you. Fox nuts are rich source of flavonols – antioxidants. They are known to perform anti-aging functions such as destroying free oxygen radicals that damage various cells in the body and affects the functioning and working on those tissues or organs. Hence may be helpful in taking care of skin, hair, vision etc.
Other benefits include:
- Analgesic properties
- Weight loss
- Contain zinc
It is evident that consumption of fox nuts is packed with superfood benefits and is an ideal snack for long list of healthy reasons. Happy healthy living and healthy snacking!
