The Union government plans to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar to improve the production and processing of foxnuts, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget.
Published Feb 02, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 02, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Makhana seeds are healthy for the diet
Makhana, commonly referred to as fox nuts or lotus seeds, has emerged as a popular healthy snack in recent years. To boost its production and processing, the government has proposed the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar, Union Finance Minister Sitharaman announced during the Union Budget 2025-26.
With the rise in mindful eating habits, the demand for makhana will likely grow further. The Indian healthy snacks market is witnessing a surge in homegrown brands tapping into this nutrient-rich seed, making it a staple in urban households.
Experts believe makhana could soon compete with international superfoods like quinoa and chia seeds and that a board in Bihar established for makhana production could improve quality. “It’s locally grown, minimally processed, and extremely healthy – exactly what modern consumers are looking for,” says Dr Swetha Adarsh, a Bengaluru-based nutritionist.
Dr Adarsh explains that with improved production, processing, and quality control, the initiative could lead to more affordable and accessible makhana for consumers whilst ensuring pesticide-free organic production.
Makhana derives from the Euryale ferox plant – a species of waterlily – which grows in still water bodies like ponds and wetlands. Traditionally used in Ayurveda and fasting rituals, it is now making its way into modern diets due to its high nutritional value.
“Makhana is rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants. It has a moderate glycemic index,” explains Dr Adarsh.
Once limited to religious rituals and fasting meals, makhana has now been rebranded as a premium health snack. Brands are introducing flavoured roasted makhana in varieties like peri-peri, masala, and cheese to appeal to urban consumers.
“Earlier, makhana was just something my grandmother would offer during fasting. Now, I see it everywhere, even at gourmet stores!” says Rashmi Kapoor, a software engineer in Bengaluru.
Speaking to South First, Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist and fitness enthusiast from Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad says, “Makhana has a good amount of protein, low in carbohydrates, in addition it also has a good amount of calcium, iron and fibres. So, looking at the content it can have many health benefits.”
Dr Kumar continues: “Weight management – for those who are obese this could be a good snack, those who are diabetic this can be a snack option, bone health can be aided as it has calcium and women with iron deficiency can have this as a snack as well. Those with abnormal lipids due to less amount of fat it can help those who are looking at management of hypertension.”
The recent popularity of makhana is not without reason. Dr Adarsh says consumption of makhana is said to reduce the risk of heart disease, has anti-ageing properties, decreases risk of arthritis, reduces the risk of obesity (when had only in moderation as part of snacking), has a moderate glycemic index, and prevents and/or provides relief from diarrhoea.
She says due to its anti-inflammatory property, it improves digestion and gut health, which is beneficial in improving blood glucose levels.
Despite all the positives, experts also caution against use of Makhana. Shashikant Iyengar, metabolic health coach and co-founder of dlife.in that advocates low-carb diet says, “Makhana is high carb almost has 77 percent carbs. I prefer to avoid advising this as a snack, especially for diabetes due to the carb content. The better alternatives are roasted seeds and peanuts.
“As opposed to belief that this is low Glycemic Index, it is moderate. It has about 55 percent GI.”
Meanwhile, Dr Adarsh also warns that makhana is good only when it is cleaned and the end product is hygienic. “Nowadays procurement, cleaning and processing of makhana is very important. People who consume this in moderation can also be allergic to these nuts. If anyone feels uneasy or there are any allergic symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor immediately,” she warns.
For those looking to add this superfood to their diet, here are some ways:
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
