Is it a Desi Popcorn? No! It's Makhana

Phool makhana or simply makhana’s something I love and have loved ever since I was a child. In English, they are also known as Lotus seeds, fox seeds and gorgon nuts. The first time I ate it, I thought it to be a desi, tastier version of popcorn. As a child, I thought it to be like popcorn but an expensive, rare treat, I’ll get only when my grandparents would come. Then I learnt just how much of a versatile and healthy it really is. Like you can make kheer out of it or a sabzi or just roast it! Totally not like popcorn. Yet many of my friends had no idea about this boon. Makhana are the seeds of lotus plant. They are obtained from the bottom of water bodies where these lotus plants grow. To prevent spoilage, phool makhana undergo a lengthy process of cleaning and processing. These are preferred fasting food (not fast food) during Navratri varat. And have special place in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Benefits of Makhana! 1. Low cholesterol, fat and sodium. Hence, good enough to munch on while watching a horror movie. 2. Beneficial for those suffering with high BP, heart disease and obesity. All thanks to their high magnesium and low sodium content. 3. Due to low glycemic index, they are recommended to diabetes patients. 4. Due to its anti-ageing enzyme, they repair damaged proteins. 5. Kaempferol, a flavonoid present in it, prevents inflammation and ageing. 6. Beneficial for kidenys. 7. Gluten-free, protein and carbohydrate rich. 8. Low calories. So do not go hungry while reaching for your weight loss appreciation. To eat them: 1. Roast with salt and spices. 2. Fry with ghee, salt and spices. 3. Make a sabzi. 4. Create a makhan kheer. Being a neutral food, it takes on the taste of whatever you cook it with. Just make sure you do not wash it before cooking.