3 times when snacking too much makhana is bad for you; 3 right ways to enjoy it

Makhana, also known as foxnut, is considered to be a healthy snack. In recent times, it has become India's answer to guilt-free snacking. From fitness gurus to nutritionists, everyone calls it a superfood for snacking. But, as it turns out, even the healthiest of snacks come with caveats. Nutritionist Nandini Agarwal in a recent reel on Instagram talked about the dark side of this healthy snack and three times when one should avoid snacking on makhana. Scroll down to read the details.

According to Nandidi, makhanas are relatively low in fiber, which means those who are dealing with constipation, regular consumption of makhana will worsen the issue for them. In her reel, she advises, “Under constipation, these nuts do not have too much fiber and can cause more constipation.”

In her reel, she has warned those with kidney or Chronic kidney disease. Makhana is naturally high in potassium. "If you have kidney issues or CKD and you are on a low potassium diet, then you should definitely avoid eating makhana totally," she states.

If you are trying to lose weight, then also she suggests avoiding too much makhana. She says, “If you're trying to lose weight then 100 grams of makhana is still okay—but if you're overdoing it, it is definitely not okay.” The reason? Makhana, though low in fat, contains considerable carbohydrates. Eat too much, and those calories stack up faster than you’d expect and will not help with weight loss at all.

Apart from these three situations, makhana are considered to be healthy and here are some simple ways to enjoy the nut in moderation.
Roasted Masala Makhana Salad: This makes for a healthy snack, where makhanas are roasted in a pan, air-fryer or oven and are seasoned with salt and black pepper. It is mixed with fiber-rich carrots, pomegranate, and other nuts like almonds and walnuts and make for a nutritious salad.
Makhana Kheer: This is one of the simplest and most popular desserts, where roasted makhanas are cooked in boiled milk and are topped with nuts and sugar.
Makhana Curry: It is flavourful curry made with roasted makhana, dunked in velvety onion-tomato gravy, along with spices. The use of spices, adds to the nutritional value of the curry.

All Images Courtesy: istock

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article—including the right way to consume makhana is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.