Makhana In Pregnancy All You Need To Know

Pregnant women should be very selective in their diet. Mainly because the type of food they consume not only impacts their health but also greatly impacts their unborn child's health. Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals should be consumed in abundance during pregnancy. Makhana, or lotus seed, is also one such food that should be a part of a pregnant woman's diet. Eating makhana is good in pregnancy as it contains a high nutritional value, ensuring the healthy growth of the fetus.

What is makhana?

Makhana is called by many names, such as lotus seed or fox nut. It is one of the major ingredients in several African and Asian dishes. This superfood is used for therapeutic purposes and treatment for various medical conditions. It can be eaten raw or cooked. If someone is wondering, “can we eat makhana in pregnancy” then the answer is a big yes. Pregnant women can eat it as an evening snack or sprinkle it in curries, side dishes, or even desserts.

Makhana's nutritional value

Many women are recommended makhana in pregnancy because of its high nutritional value. Therefore, it is one of the most healthy foods a pregnant woman can include.

The following table breaks down the nutritional value that every 100 gm of Makhana contains.

Apart from these nutrients, it also has antioxidants, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium, amino acids, and Vitamin B complexes.

Makhana cooking instructions

From the above nutritional table, it is evident that the answer to the general query “is makhana good in pregnancy” is a resounding yes. So, if pregnant women want to eat makhana cooked instead of raw, they can roast it or make kheer or laddus of makhana. Here is how they can cook makhana -

1. Makhana Kheer

Makhana can also be added to kheer, known as rice pudding, to increase its nutritive value. To add Makhana into kheer, one needs to roast and ground it into fine powder. The powdered Makhana is sprinkled over the kheer during its preparation, increasing its thickness and adding a distinct flavor.

2. Plain roasted

Expecting mothers can eat makhana as a substitute for popcorn or any snack. It is best roasted with butter or ghee on low/medium/high flame. After roasting, add salt, chili if preferred, or even oregano to prepare the makhana snack.

3. Laddus

Making laddus from makhana is a simple process. To do this, one must roast the makhana and grind it into fine powder. This powder is mixed with milk and other ingredients like dry fruits to create a mix for the laddus. The combination is then rolled with bare hands to make balls. One needs to apply ghee on their hands while making these to ensure the laddus are in good shape.

Benefits of makhana during pregnancy

Some of the vital makhana benefits in pregnancy are as follows -

1. Tackles insomnia

Insomnia is one of the common conditions that every pregnant woman faces. It is usually caused by stress and changing eating habits accompanied by hormonal changes. Makhana has quinoline alkaloids along with essential vitamins and antioxidants, which relax the body and induce sleep. Thus, consuming makhana during pregnancy helps tackle insomnia to a great extent.

2. Ensures normal blood pressure

Eating makhana regularly during pregnancy regulates blood pressure fluctuations experienced by women when pregnant. The presence of a high amount of magnesium and sodium in makhana ensures better blood flow which is vital to maintain normal blood pressure.

3. Manages diarrhea

Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can give rise to problems such as diarrhea. However, lotus seed or makhana is believed to be the best remedy for diarrhea during pregnancy. It guarantees a strong digestive system; pregnant women should eat makhana every day in their early pregnancy to avoid diarrhea and related digestive issues.

4. Relieves gum pain

Most women experience gum issues during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, leading to inflammation in gums. And the vitamin B complex present in makhana can help a woman relieve gum pain. Furthermore, zinc in makhana helps keep teeth and gum healthy and strong.

5. Helps manage appetite increase

Pregnant women gain weight during pregnancy, and it can become challenging to manage the weight gain due to an increased appetite during this time. Makhana is a great healthy snack during pregnancy. It has a low glycemic index, meaning a woman will feel full after eating a small-sized bowl of makhana, suppressing the urge to overeat.

Conclusion

The above is everything women need to know about makhana and makhana benefits in pregnancy. So the next time pregnant women shop for snacks, they should include makhana in their shopping list.