Wednesday, September 28, 2011

What are Makhana . . . .

 
What are Makhana . . . .
Gorgon nut or Fox nut, an aquatic crop, commonly known as Makhana or Gorgon Nut, is an highly nutritious, fully organic non cereal food.
which is extensively grown in the stagnant water of wetlands, tanks, ponds lakes and ditches. Euryale ferox also known as fox nut, foxnut, makhana or gorgon plant is the only species in the genus Euryale.
It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family. The plant produces starchy white seeds, and the seeds are edible.
In India, particularly in the northern Punjab and western parts of the country.
Euryale feroxseeds are often roasted or fried, which causes them to pop like popcorn. These are then eaten, often with a sprinkling of oil and spices.
Makhana is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the Lord during festivals and is used in cooking, specially to make a Porridge/pudding called kheer of makhana.
It is popularly known as "Makhana" in India.
It grows in water and is found in India, Korea, Japan and Russia.
Fox nut plant does not have stem. It has large round leaves and produces bright purple flowers. The whole plant is covered with small thorns. The leaves of fox nut plant have green upper surface and purple shaded lower surface. This plant produces fruits which are about the size of a small orange. Each fruit contains 8-10 seeds which are of pea size.
According to texts of Ayurveda, foxnut or makhana tastes sweet and is heavy to digest.
It strengthens the heart and is very useful in anemia. Makhanna increases stickiness of secretions by increasing moisture level in body.
FACTS TO KNOW
1. Makhana helps in Cardiac Protection.
2. It helps in building action in dysentery,
frequent rination.
3. Makhana is anti oxident.
4. It is digestive for all age groups.
5. 25 gram makhana a day means a healthy food/diet for the whole family.
6. Loose makhana contains mycotoxin that is harmful to health.
7. Makhana regulates blood pressure, relieves numbness and aching near waist and knees.
8. It is suitable for arthritis, impotence and permature aging and recomanded for the women during pregnancy and post natal weaknesses.
Makhana (Euryale ferox) , a dry fruit, famed for its easy digestibility, high nutritional contents and wide use in religious fasting by people all over India. Makhana are very effective for heart nourishment and prevent insomnia.
Puffed lotus seeds, also called Makhana, are used for cooking in the Northern and Western parts of India.
The typical lotus seed is small, round and off-white in colour. It can be consumed raw or cooked. These seeds are a good source of protein, besides starch, fibre, fat, and traces of calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. Lotus seed has astringent properties, and benefits the spleen and heart. It is said to nourish the blood and also improve appetite…

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