Nutritional And Health Benefits Of Makhana

Makhana, which is also called foxnuts or lotus seeds, is becoming more and more famous around the world because it is very healthy and full of good nutrients. Makhana was traditionally eaten as a fasting food or light snack in Indian homes. It is now known as a powerful superfood that people of all ages and dietary needs can eat. Here's a better look at some of its most important nutrients and the health benefits they provide:

Rich In Protein And Fiber

The high protein and fiber content of makhana is one of its best qualities. About the following are found in a 100-gram amount of roasted makhana:

• 9.7 grams of protein
• 14.5 grams of fiber

Because of this, makhana is especially helpful for people who eat a lot of protein, like vegetarians, vegans, and exercise fans. The high fibre content also helps with digestion, makes bowel movements better, and keeps you full for longer, all of which can help you lose weight.

Low Glycemic Index-Diabetic Friendly

Having a low glycemic index (GI) means that Makhana makes blood sugar rise more slowly and steadily. This makes it a great snack for people with diabetes or who are trying to keep their insulin levels in check. It is a safe choice for managing blood sugar because its complex carbs are broken down slowly. This keeps glucose levels from rising quickly.

Heart Health Support

Foxnuts are good for your heart because they don't have any cholesterol or heavy fat. Also, they have magnesium in them, which is important for keeping your heartbeat steady and your muscles working right. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure in check and is good for the heart in general. Also, potassium helps keep sodium levels in check, which lowers the risk of high blood pressure.

Antioxidant-Rich Superfood

A lot of natural vitamins are found in Makhana, such as:

• Flavonoids
• Kaempferol
• Polyphenols

These chemicals help the body get rid of free radicals, which cause early age and long-term diseases like heart disease and cancer. Kaempferol is an antioxidant that is also known to help with inflammation and slow down the aging process.

Gluten-free And Allergen-free

Makhana is naturally gluten-free and doesn't have any common allergens like soy or nuts in it. This creates a secure snack for people with celiac illness, gluten sensitivity, or food allergies. Today, more and more people around the world are following gluten-free diets. Makhana stands out as a safe and healthy choice compared to sweets made with wheat.

Rise In Global Health-conscious Consumption

Market research firms like Grand View Research and Mordor Intelligence say that the world's market for healthy snacks will rise at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 5% from 2024 to 2030. This boom is mostly caused by more people being overweight, diabetic, or having heart disease or other lifestyle illnesses.

People are turning away from traditional snacks that are high in calories, like chips and fried foods, and toward foods that are good for you without sacrificing taste. Makhana is low in fat, gluten-free, high in protein and fibre, and full of vitamins that are good for your heart and metabolism.

One of the main reasons makhana is becoming more famous around the world is that it can be used in many different ways. It works for a lot of various diets:

• Vegan and Plant-Based Diets: Makhana doesn't have any animal products in it and gets its protein from plants.
• Gluten-Free Diets: Ideal for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Low-Carb and Keto Diets: Makhana does contain some carbohydrates, but its low glycemic index means that people on low-carb plans can eat it in moderation.
• Ayurvedic and Holistic Nutrition: Because it comes from Indian traditional medicine, people who believe in a holistic and integrative diet like it.

Export Trends And Key International Markets

India makes the most makhana of any country in the world, and the demand for its exports has been steadily rising. Some of the most important foreign markets for makhana are the USA, UK, Australia, Japan, and the UAE. This is because makhana is good for you. Because of the worldwide shift toward plant-based and low-calorie foods, makhana is a popular choice among people who care about their health.

The Indian government helps farms and traders improve quality, packing, and foreign approval through bodies like APEDA. This is done to boost exports. "One District, One Product" (ODOP) programs have also helped to raise awareness of and demand for makhana in global markets by highlighting places like Bihar, where it is mostly grown.

Indian Makhana Industry: Production And Supply Chain

India's makhana (foxnut) business is mostly based in Bihar, which makes up more than 85% of the country's production. Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, and Kishanganj are some of the most important places for farming.

• Traditional farming methods require a lot of work, like picking crops by hand from ponds, drying them in the sun, and cooking them. The returns are lower with these ways; with traditional methods, crops produce about 1.7–1.9 tonnes per hectare, while high-yielding types like Sabour Makhana-1 can produce 3–3.5 tonnes.
• Processing Infrastructure: A lot of makhana is handled by hand, and only a small amount is done by machines. In addition to raising the cost of labour, this also alters the final product's scalability and consistency in quality.
• Market Access: Even though Bihar produces a lot, the state's main trade markets are outside of it, in places like New Delhi, Kanpur, and Varanasi. This means that goods have to be shipped over long distances, which raises costs and cuts into local farms' profits.
• Financial Issues: Because formal bank loans are hard to get for many small processors, they have to rely on private money lenders who charge high interest rates. This financial load makes it harder for them to buy better processing tools or grow their business.

To deal with these problems, the Indian government said it would create a "Makhana Board" in Bihar and place INR 1 billion into the budget for 2025–26. The board wants to boost output, make the processing facilities better, offer training, and boost the makhana name both in the country and around the world.