A centuries-old snack food: Fox nuts have high nutritional value

By NT Features

Commonly associated with fasting, fox nuts are popularly known as ‘makhana’. Used for centuries as a snack food, fox nuts have myriad benefits. Such are their beneficial properties that the Chinese use it as medicine. Fox nuts help to strengthen the spleen and kidneys. Almonds, walnuts, cashews and other dry fruits pale in comparison to fox nuts when it comes to nutritional value.

Indian cuisine makes ample use of these nuts. They can be had roasted with a sprinkling of spices and condiments to provide a tasty treat.

High in fibre
Fox nuts help the digestive process and prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool.

Detoxifying
Fox nuts flush out toxins from the body. They are really beneficial to the spleen which is like a graveyard for cells in the body. It recycles the RBCs (red blood cells). The spleen is the nerve centre of the immune system because it also stores white blood cells and platelets.

Fertility issues
Known as an aphrodisiac, fox nuts help with premature ejaculation, improve the quality of semen and help women suffering from infertility.

Low glycaemic index
Fox nuts have a low glycaemic index which means that they release glucose slowly in the blood. This keeps you feeling full for longer so you don’t feel the need to eat for some time.

Gluten-free
Those suffering from wheat allergies can gorge on fox nuts as they are gluten-free but still high in protein and carbohydrate content.

Weight loss
They are high in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium. This makes fox nuts an ideal snack for those watching their weight.

Hypertension
High potassium and low sodium is a great combination for patients suffering from hypertension. The potassium brings down the blood pressure and sodium tries to bring it up. So those who suffer from high blood pressure can snack on fox nuts without facing any spikes in their blood pressure.