Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the creation of Makhana Board in Bihar in the Union Budget 2025. As per reports, Makhana Board will be established in Bihar to improve processing, value addition of this lesser-known protein-rich food item. The board will provide handholding and trade related technologies. It will also work to ensure farmers receive benefits of all relevant government schemes.
FM Sitharaman also announced the establishment of National institute of food technology in Bihar to support entrepreneurship, development and to enhance farmer income.
What is Makhana?
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, comes from the seeds of the Euryale Fox plant, which grows in water and is mainly found in India and China. These seeds are harvested, dried, and roasted to create a light, crunchy, and nutritious snack. It is rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it a healthy alternative to processed snacks. It is widely used in Ayurveda, known for its anti-aging, digestion-boosting, and heart-friendly properties. Popular during fasting, makhana can be eaten roasted, added to curries, or used in desserts like kheer.
Nutritional value of makhana
Per 100 gms of makhana contains 347 calories, 9.7 g protein, 76.9 g carbs, 14.5 g fiber, 0.1 g fat, 60 mg calcium 1.4 mg iron, 67 mg magensium, 500 mg potassium, and 200 mg phosphorus
It makes for a healthy snack dish and here's proof
Aid in weight loss: Low in calories and high in fiber, makhana keeps you full for longer and prevents overeating.
Rich in protein: It is a great plant-based protein source that helps in muscle building and overall strength.
Boosts digestion: It is high in fiber content and promotes gut health and prevents constipation.
Good for heart health: Low in cholesterol and sodium, it helps regulate blood pressure and improves heart function.
Regulates blood sugar: Low glycemic index makes it an ideal snack for diabetics.
Strengthen bones: High in calcium, supporting bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
Anti-aging & skin benefits: Packed with antioxidants, it fights free radicals, slows aging, and promotes glowing skin.
Improve brain function: It is said to contain thiamine, which enhances cognitive abilities, memory, and concentration.
5 ways to add makhana in daily diet
Makhana Kheer: This dish is made with roasted makhana, which is cooked further in milk along with sugar, nuts, and kesar.
Crunchy Masala Makhana: It is a healthy and crunchy snack made with makhana, roasted in ghee or oil and topped with salt, pepper, and chaat masala.
Makhana Bhel: It is a healthy tale of regular bhel, where roasted makhana is mixed with onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, spices, coriander leaves. and green chilli.
Makhana Chaat: In this, roasted makhana is topped with sweet curd, onion, tomatoes, coriander, beetroot, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and sev.
Makhana Dosa: This makes for a healthy breakfast made with makhana, which is blended into a puree and then seasoned with salt and baking soda, and cooked on a dosa tawa into thin and crunchy crepes.
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