Makhana, Usage/Application : Snack or Cooking

The seed portion of Euryale ferox plant is called fox nut or makhana and is a popular food in the Asian subcontinent. It 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 gorgon nut. Makhana or Euryale ferox, also known as fox nut is a popular snack in India and widely cultivated in shallow ponds. It belongs to the lotus family Nymphaceae. It is common to east Asia, particularly India, China and Japan. 

Benefits of Phool Makhana or Fox Nut

Apart from being a popular snack fox nut or phool makhana has various health benefits.

• Good for heart:
• Regulates blood pressure: The fox nut contains low sodium but high potassium.
• Beneficial in diabetes: Euryale ferox has plenty of fibre and low content of fats. This is a double benefit for diabetics and people with gastric disorders.
• Calcium rich: Euryale ferox has good calcium content.

Makhana is not known for any allergic reaction, but it may have a strong astringent action in the body. Thus, one must be a little cautious about the quantity being consumed.