Welcome to Organic Sattva
Cart (0)
Your cart is emptyStart Shopping
Login
Can We Eat Makhana During Pregnancy? Benefits, Safety & Tips

Can We Eat Makhana During Pregnancy? Benefits, Safety & Tips

Makhana

Becoming a mother is a beautiful feeling. However, the pregnancy period makes a woman go from “What do I feel like eating?” to “What am I allowed to eat?” All of this rollercoaster of emotions and food cravings makes you Google the best midnight cravings!

But, here’s one snack that you might miss out but should always consider, “Makhana,” also called fox nuts. Well, now comes the next question, “Can we eat makhana during pregnancy?” or is it just a hyped up snack?

Let’s learn more about makhana, one of the superfoods in pregnancy, and whether it’s really a hero or villain for your pregnancy period.

Can We Eat Makhana During Pregnancy?

The nutritional profile of the makhana must be considered to answer and substantiate this question. However, the response is in fact yes! For expecting mothers, makhana during pregnancy can be a wholesome and safe option. The exceedingly light, easily digestible, and non-bloating makhana is one of the undervalued Indian treats.

Makhana is therefore one of the wholesome snacks available to expectant mothers here, whether they are in the first trimester or are preparing to give birth.

Nutritional Profile of Makhana

NutrientPer 100g (approx.)
Calories347 kcal
Protein
9.7g
Carbohydrates
76.9g
Fiber14.5g
Iron1.4mg
Calcium60mg
Magnesium 56mg
Potassium500mg

Bonus: Low in fat, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free.

Benefits of Eating Makhana During Pregnancy

Let’s dig into why you should search for roasted makhana online to understand why it deserves a spot on your snack shelf:

1. Excellent Energy Source

You may be fatigued during pregnancy. Makhana gives you sustained energy levels and will not spike your sugar levels or give you a sugar crash because it contains a healthy carbohydrate.

2. Full of Iron

Iron is necessary to avoid anemia while pregnant. Iron rich foods for pregnant women are a necessity. Makhana is a good choice for pregnant women among iron-rich foods because it contains Iron.

3. Assists in Digestion

Makhana can help with constipation, a common issue, due to its high fiber content.

4. Good for Bone Health

Flavoured makhana could help with growing healthy bones for you and your baby due to its calcium and magnesium content.

5. Brain Development

Flavonoids, found in other foods, are antioxidants that promote brain function and may also promote the development of your unborn child's brain.

6. Keeps You Chill

Makhana also contains magnesium, which helps you regulate your mood and stress. Mood swings? More like toned-down seasons.

Is Makhana Safe in All Trimesters?

Yes! It is indeed!

  1. First Trimester: During the first phase of pregnancy, it helps maintain constant energy levels and control morning sickness.
  2. Second Trimester: When it comes to the second trimester, it helps reduce tiredness and improve fetal development.
  3. Third Trimester: Lastly, the third-trimester cravings make a woman want a good snack. Makhana is one of the superfoods in pregnancy that provides long-lasting fullness.

So if you’re wondering, “Can we eat makhana during pregnancy?” It’s time you stop overthinking and choose makhana in pregnancy, first trimester.

How Much Makhana Can You Eat?

1 to 1.5 handfuls of makhana during pregnancy (about 30g) per day is recommended. It is to be noted that too much of anything will never be healthy, even healthy snacks for pregnancy can lead to unnecessary calorie overload.

Tasty Ways to Include Makhana in Your Diet

Roasted Makhana with Rock Salt and Ghee.

  1. Add almonds, raisins, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the Makhana Trail Mix.
  2. Makhana Kheer is a delightful and light, milky dessert.
  3. Masala Makhana, with cumin, turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper.
  4. Raw Makhana Ladoo, a healthy alternative to sweets.
  5. Makhana vs Other Pregnancy Snacks
SnackIronProteinSafe in All Trimesters?Digestibility
MakhanaYesYesYesYes
Potato ChipsNoNoNo (too oily/salty)No
Roasted ChickpeasYesYesYesBig No (gas causing)
Dry FruitsYesYesYesBig No (calorie-dense)
Namkeen MixtureNoNoNoNo

Final Thoughts

Then can you have makhana when pregnant? Yes, and you should! It's yet another Indian superfood we can consume while pregnant, and it's just as good as it sounds. Makhana (or fox nut) is a versatile food that's nutrient-rich and light, making it a healthy addition to your prenatal care programme.

No matter what your pregnancy journey is throwing at you (bloating, fatigue, cravings), these little white puffs could very well be the crunchy snack you've been waiting for.

FAQs
Q 1: Is it safe to consider makhana as an option for healthy snacks for pregnancy?

Yes! Makhana is light and easy to digest. You can find roasted makhana online as it is widely available and is a good late-night snack that doesn't cause acidity.

Q 2: Do makhana in pregnancy first trimester provide any benefits to fetal development?

Makhana is rich in antioxidants, calcium, and magnesium, which aid normal fetal development, brain development, and healthy bones.

Q 3: Can flavoured makhana be used to manage gestational diabetes?

Yes, in moderation. Due to its low glycemic index, makhana is a safe snack for controlling blood sugar levels. Still, always consult with your physician for individualized advice.