BABY WEIGHT GAIN FOOD- MAKHANA 

WHAT IS MAKHANA - 

Before knowing how makhana is useful for baby weight gain, we need to know what they are, what they are used for, and where they are obtained from.  

Makhanas are nothing but lotus seeds which are found in stagnant water. Perhaps most of the people do not know this thing. It is also called as Prickly Water Lily or Fox nuts in English.  

In India, Makhana is mainly eaten for fasting. They are easy to digest as they are rich in antioxidants and antiaging, high in fiber and low in calories.  

These seeds are very light and crunchy. Let's know that there are many more nutrients. Each 100 grams of Makhana contains the following quantities of nutrients. 

Protein - 9.7 grams  

Fibers - 14. gram  

Caloric - 347 grams 

Calcium - 60 grams 

Iron - 1. 4 milligrams  

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF CHILDREN- 

Makhana is easy to digest so it is very beneficial for gaining weight. The fibers present in it increase the digestive power and also provide nutrients at the right door. There is no doubt that makhana can be a great option for your baby's strength (nutritionally), better digestion and weight management. Rich in calcium and protein, makhana benefits for toddlers are many. It supports healthy bone and muscle development also. Children's digestive system is slightly different, i.e. their digestion time and excretion time is not like that of our adults. In adults, the time required for complete digestion of food is 5-6 hours, but the same process is faster in children. Their digestion time is 3-4 hours.  

READ MORE: ESSENTIAL BABY FOOD- NEWBORN TO 5 YEARS OLD CHILDREN

HOW TO GIVE MAKHANA FOR BABIES - 

We can just roast the Makhanas and add some chaat masala to it and eat it as a snack. But it may not be suitable for small children. Due to its round shape, chances of chalking up are high, so Makhana should be fried in ghee until it becomes crispy. After that put it in a mixer and make a fine powder. And we can add this powder in his daily food. Or add one spoon of this powder in our homemade cerelac for baby. And cook this mixture well. 

 

 MAKHANA BENEFITS -

1. Since they are rich in iron content, lotus seeds are extremely beneficial for women suffering from anemia. Moreover, the presence of essential vitamins and minerals also supports the reproductive health of women of all ages, especially those with an iron deficiency. Some more makhana benefits for female fertility include maintaining a hormonal balance that supports female fertility and overall well-being. 
2. Makhana is a best solution for weight management as it is low in calories and high in fibers.  
3. Makhana is beneficial in controlling heart disorders and high blood pressure. Due to the potassium and magnesium content in it, high blood pressure is controlled, and heart attack does not usually occur.  
4. Also, people with diabetes keep their sugar under control by eating makhana in their daily diet. 
5. It is beneficial for people with kidney problems due to its low level of phosphorus. 

 

 SIDE EFFECTS OF MAKHANA - 

While there are many health benefits of makhana, Consuming excess of it may lead to mild digestive discomfort such as bloating due to its high fiber content. Although rare, allergic reactions can occur, particularly in individuals sensitive to nuts or seeds. Flavored varieties containing added sodium should be consumed in moderation. 

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS - 

How many makhana eat a day? 

Although Makhana is good to eat, it is not advisable to consume it in excess. Because it is basically a seed, some people can have allergic reactions from it. Also, due to the high fiber content of Makhana, even if you eat a little, you feel full, children's digestive system may not be so favorable to Makhana. Therefore, we can give 30 to 40 grams of makhana per day to small children.