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Discover the benefits and potential side effects of Makhana during pregnancy. Learn about balanced consumption for a healthy pregnancy.
Makhana, also known as fox nuts, has long been a popular snack in Indian households. They’re fluffy and crispy, with no distinct flavour. It’s not only a tasty snack to munch on in between meals, but also has a lot of health benefits.
However, are you questioning if your favourite snack has any side effects during pregnancy or is safe to eat when you are pregnant?
What are the benefits it can provide you during your nine months?
In what ways can you eat them?
We’ve got answers to all of your worries, as well as some bonus easy and tasty makhana recipes to try while you’re pregnant.
Makhanas are the seeds of the prickly water lily, which is normally found in ponds of northeast India.
Makhana is a non-cereal food that is completely organic. Therefore, yes, fox nuts are safe to eat since they are full of nutrients. However, it’s also crucial to be aware of any possible side effects of makhana during pregnancy. Calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, B vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants are all abundant in them.
These nutrients are especially beneficial to expectant mothers who are at a higher risk of hypertension and gestational diabetes, as well as to foetal development.
You may have difficulty sleeping during your pregnancy due to a variety of factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and eating habits. Makhana contains isoquinoline alkaloids, which have a soothing and sleep-inducing effect.
The vitamins and antioxidants in the seeds also help to regulate body function, helping you maintain a regular sleep routine.
Makhana can help pregnant women with diarrhoea which can be induced by hormone imbalances.
Eating makhana can help strengthen your digestive system and guarantee that food is properly absorbed. During the early stages of pregnancy, eating a few makhana each day can help prevent diarrhoea and other digestive problems.
Makhana is ideal for managing blood pressure when you’re pregnant and also have high blood pressure.
It contains vitamins and has a cooling effect on the body, assisting in the regulation of blood flow, while another component called isoquinoline which is relaxing and dilates the blood vessels, assisting in the control of blood pressure.
It has low sodium, high potassium, and high magnesium, all of which help to increase blood flow and blood pressure.
When the hunger pang and cravings strike, makhana proves to be a wonderful snack in between meals. They have a low glycaemic index, so they’ll make you feel full after a few bites. As a result, you will be able to control your weight and prevent overeating.
Makhana can also help you manage your blood sugar levels while you’re pregnant. During the nine months, your blood sugar may rise as a result of stress and hormones.
Makhana includes B complex vitamins, high fibre, and low calories, all of which may aid in calorie burning and blood glucose control.
Due to the extra weight during pregnancy, it is common to become tired quickly.
Makhana is high in iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, protein, and vitamins, all of which can help you stay energised throughout the day.
Having a handful of makhana every day is an excellent way to provide your body with the energy it requires.
Makhana is rich in protein, which is an important nutrient to help your foetus develop properly. The protein, together with other essential nutrients, can help the foetus’ central nervous system development, and the vitamins aid the baby’s absorption of other nutrients from the food it consumes.
The foetus’s growth and development are also considerably aided by consuming makhana, as it is packed with minerals and vitamins.
Because of the hormonal changes that occur throughout the middle period you might experience sore and bleeding gums. Gums can become sore and uncomfortable as a result of excessive water retention.
You can boost the amount of vitamin-B complexes in your body by consuming makhana. The zinc present in it will aid to clean your teeth and relieve gum pain.
The greatest part about eating makhana during pregnancy is that you can eat it in a variety of ways, depending on how you prepare it. It can be fried and eaten as a snack or used in soups and curries.
Many moms are confused about how to include makhana in their everyday routine. Depending on your preferences, there are numerous ways to consume this healthy food.
Plain roasted makhana is the most popular and convenient method to consume it. They prove to be a great popcorn alternative when you roast them in butter or ghee or you can prepare these chatpata Masala-Makhana if you are craving something tangy.
Makhana can also be used in soups and curries, such as this Matar Makhana Curry, or in desserts such as Makhana ki Kheer, Makhana Laddus, and Kesar Makhana Phirni to satisfy sweet cravings.
Even though makhana is high in nutrients, it should be used in moderation. Every day, one or two handfuls of makhana should suffice. Otherwise, it may have side effects.
While enjoying the many benefits of Makhana, or fox nuts, during pregnancy, it’s natural to wonder about their thermal properties. You might ask, “Is Makhana hot or cold for the body?” This question is particularly relevant in Ayurveda, where foods are classified based on their heating or cooling effects on the body.
In Ayurvedic terms, Makhana is known to have a ‘sheeta veerya’ or cooling effect, making it a wonderful snack during the summer months or in climates with high heat. The cooling properties can help balance the body’s internal temperature and keep you comfortable.
However, the story doesn’t end here. Despite its cooling nature, consuming Makhana in large quantities could potentially cause excessive heat in the body. This is one of the potential side effects of makhana during pregnancy that should be taken into consideration. This is why moderation is key when incorporating Makhana into your diet. Enjoying a reasonable portion can allow you to reap the health benefits without experiencing any unwanted effects.
So, whether you’re savoring these puffed seeds as a crunchy snack, adding them to a savory curry, or incorporating them into a sweet treat, remember to enjoy Makhana in moderation. This way, you can take advantage of their beneficial properties without worrying about them being too hot or cold for your body.
If consumed excessively, makhana may cause complications during pregnancy. The side effects of makhana during pregnancy, especially when consumed in large quantities, can range from mild to moderate.
The following are some of the most typical side effects of consuming too much makhana:
1. Makhana can significantly lower blood sugar levels. It is also advised to avoid including it in your diet if you have any blood sugar difficulties, such as diabetes, already throughout your pregnancy.
2. Since makhana is high in fibre, too much of it might cause constipation, which is already a typical problem during pregnancy.
3. These seeds may also cause allergic reactions in some women. If you have any discomfort or see rashes or redness on your skin after eating makhana, visit your doctor immediately.
Keeping these points in mind, eat a small quantity of makhana every day during your pregnancy to ensure a satisfied stomach and a pleasant pregnancy. They’re not only a tasty snack, but the nutrients they provide are also good for both you and your baby. So don’t hesitate the next time you feel like eating it.
Image credit: Subodh Sathe/Arundhati Sathe/ImageGap from Getty Images Signature, Canva Pro
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