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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.
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.
Nutrient | Per 100g (approx.) |
Calories | 347 kcal |
Protein | 9.7g |
Carbohydrates | 76.9g |
Fiber | 14.5g |
Iron | 1.4mg |
Calcium | 60mg |
Magnesium | 56mg |
Potassium | 500mg |
Bonus: Low in fat, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free.
Let’s dig into why you should search for roasted makhana online to understand why it deserves a spot on your snack shelf:
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.
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.
Makhana can help with constipation, a common issue, due to its high fiber content.
Flavoured makhana could help with growing healthy bones for you and your baby due to its calcium and magnesium content.
Flavonoids, found in other foods, are antioxidants that promote brain function and may also promote the development of your unborn child's brain.
Makhana also contains magnesium, which helps you regulate your mood and stress. Mood swings? More like toned-down seasons.
Yes! It is indeed!
So if you’re wondering, “Can we eat makhana during pregnancy?” It’s time you stop overthinking and choose makhana in pregnancy, first trimester.
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.
Roasted Makhana with Rock Salt and Ghee.
Snack | Iron | Protein | Safe in All Trimesters? | Digestibility |
Makhana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Potato Chips | No | No | No (too oily/salty) | No |
Roasted Chickpeas | Yes | Yes | Yes | Big No (gas causing) |
Dry Fruits | Yes | Yes | Yes | Big No (calorie-dense) |
Namkeen Mixture | No | No | No | No |
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.
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.
Makhana is rich in antioxidants, calcium, and magnesium, which aid normal fetal development, brain development, and healthy bones.
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.