Navratri: Foods to eat during fasting for better immunity

With Navratri just around the corner, it is essential for you to look out for healthy fasting options. The presence of coronavirus in the country might have made you question whether you should be fasting in this time or not. Put all your worries aside, as the below given food options will not only make your fasting healthier but will also increase your immunity at the same time.

Makhana

Also known as foxnuts, makhanas are the healthiest of all fasting food. With almost zero calories, these puffs will keep you full for a long period. With high protein and fiber properties, makhanas will give you enough energy for the day. Foxnuts help in increasing immunity by detoxifying and flushing out toxins from your blood.

Dry fruits

Loaded with vitamins and minerals, dry fruits are the optimum food choice to boost your immunity. While fasting you can eat walnuts, almonds, dates, pistachios and raisins which are also a storehouse of energy. The presence of Vitamin E in nuts help fight off bacteria and thus, keeps our immune system active.

Green vegetables

Going green is always a good choice and especially when you are fasting. Packed with Vitamin C, K and iron, green vegetables act as amazing immune system boosters. Eating vegetables like spinach, broccoli, cabbage and bitter gourd will not only be the healthiest food you eat during fasting but will also keep illnesses at bay. You can either drink a green vegetable soup or make a salad out of them.

Pumpkin soup

If you are a fan of soups and are looking for soups to drink during fasting, then pumpkin soup is here for you. Made with pumpkin, ginger and turmeric, pumpkin soup is a powerhouse of immunity boosting agents. It will not only act as a good substitute of other fried snacks but will also help you keep full.

Singhara atta

Singhara atta also known as water chestnut atta is the perfect substitute for your normal wheat flour during Navratri. You can make roti, parantha and even cheela using singhara atta during your fasting days. With low calories and high nutrients, singhara atta is an ideal choice for you. It has its unique properties of detoxifying and cooling properties, which will help regulate water levels in your body.

Samak rice

For those who find it hard to let go of rice during Navratri, samak rice is an ideal substitute for you. With high fibre content, samak rice will make you full in less proportion. You can use samak rice to make pulao, roti and even porridge. It fastens the detoxification process of your body and quickens digestion.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Makhana ( Fox nuts) in diet keeps several diseases at bay

Makhana is mild in food and also great in taste.

Eating this is beneficial for health.

Makhana is considered beneficial for diabetic patients.

And eating them does not increase the level of sugar.

If people who have sugar disease should include makhanas in their diet and eat them daily to keep sugar level normal.

Makhana is considered the perfect diet for the heart.

Eating them reduces the risk of heart related diseases.

Therefore patients of heart diseases and cholesterol must eat Makhana.

Makhana is also helpful in reducing stress.

Eating Makhana releases stress.

Those people who are suffering from stress and tension, they should consume it with milk every night.

By eating Makhana, the bones remain strong as it contains high amount of calcium.

By eating Makhane with milk, joint pain and arthritis also disappear.
It is very versatile, can be roasted and mixed with nuts eaten as snacks, it can roasted and powdered added to cutlets or make puddings. Use your imagination as it can be incorporated in n number of ways.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement 

Discover More Superfoods

Rich in nutritional value, superfoods are the easiest way to boost the health quotient of your daily meals. To discover more superfood ingredients, check out the rest of our superfood series:
Amla: This superfood can fix every part of your body! Don’t believe us? Read on to find out the health benefits of amla.

Ashwagandha: Can’t get sleep? Check out the sleep-inducing and other health-promoting properties of the Ayurveda-approved Ashwagandha.

Basil or Tulsi: Apart from simply adding flavor to meals, basil brings with it several medicinal properties. Check out the number of health conditions for which basil can come to your rescue, you can read in my other posts. I make a tea with 15-20 tulsi leaves, 1" ginger finely chopped, 2 peppercorns crushed in 300-350 ml water, simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and drink to get relief from cold. The quantity is good for having thrice a day, each time warm and drink as hot as you can. With the left-over, you can use to make normal tea adding water as desired, it will be a flavourful tea.

Black Carrots: You’ve seen the red ones and you’ve seen the orange ones, but ever witnessed black carrots? Check out how they look and their many health benefits.

Brahmi: Are you afraid of the increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease? Include this superfood in your diet to boost your brain health. 

Camu Camu: One of the richest sources of Vitamin C, this superfood comes all the way from the Amazon rainforest!

Chia Seeds: This Mexican native is now being used in many Indian kitchens. Check out the various health benefits of chia seeds.

Chili: Do you love to eat spicy food? Well, good news! Check out how those spicy chilies boost your health.

Dandelion: Not only do they brighten up your garden, but dandelions also boost your health. Confused about how you can include this flower in your diet? We have answers for you right here.

Hog Plum: Looking for a remedy to cure ulcers? Tired of getting diarrhea every time you eat out? Hog plum can come to your rescue! Check out the amazing health benefits of this not so popular superfood.

Kale: Coming across a lot of kale in salads, pizza toppings, and even chips? Check out why kale has suddenly topped the charts for being a healthy option.

Karela:/ bitter gourd- Reading this will prevent you from screwing up your face every time someone mentions karela. Drinking its water daily brings down your blood sugar levels.

Kokum: Along with being a refreshing summer drink, kokum also helps you shed extra kilos. Find out more about the sour and fruity kokum.m.

Makhana or Lotus Seeds/ Fox nuts: It is rapidly becoming the choice of snack for weight watchers. Check out the nutrient profile of this incredible superfood.

Moringa or Drumstick: Looking to boost your iron and calcium levels? Don’t restrict yourself to just meat and milk. Know more about moringa and how this superfood can be made a part of your diet.

Mushrooms: These fungi are loaded with nutrients. Click here to know why you should be consuming them more often.

Muskmelon: The juicy and aromatic muskmelon has several health-boosting properties. Find out more about this nutritious fruit.

Ragi / finger millet: This grain has made its way into the plates of many. From ragi dosa and idli to ragi porridge, it is being promoted in the diets of old and young. It is rich in calcium and iron. I use ragi flour to make cakes instead of all purpose flour or at times, mix both to make the cake more nutritious.

Sabja / Basil seeds: Slurped a tall glass of falooda? If it had sabja seeds, you have no reason to feel guilty. Click here to know why!

Sacha Inchi: These nut-like seeds are rich in omega-3. Check out the other health benefits they have in store for you!

Sweet Potato: A rich source of Vitamin A and fiber, sweet potato is a great alternative to the white potato. Take a look at all the reasons why you need to include it in your diet.

Tofu: Often known as the vegan cousin of paneer, tofu is derived from soybean and comes loaded with protein and minerals. Read more about the health benefits of tofu.

Turmeric: Think twice before you say no to “haldi wala doodh”/ golden milk. Find out why your grandma trusts turmeric for every infection.

Zucchini: Did you know that you can use your favourite zucchini not only in pasta and pizza but also in a cake, salads, with lentils in gravy.

One can make so many different healthy dishes using various veges,  fruits and lentils at our disposal.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement     
 

How to have Fox nuts / makhana for weight loss and 5 other health benefits

How to have makhana for weight loss

Makhanas, also called fox nuts, make for one of the tastiest snacks. The best part about these puffed lotus seeds is that they are not just tasty but are nutritious as well. They have recently become a popular healthy snack, and are being sold by a variety of food brands. From flavoured to roasted, several varieties of this healthy snack are available in the market.

What if we tell you that these tasty and healthy makhanas serve another important purpose too? Wondering what? Weight loss!
Makhanas can help you lose weight. Yes, you read that right. Though it’s recommended to eat home-made makhanas for the purpose as they do not have any artificial flavours, unlike the packaged ones.
Here is how makhanas can aid your weight loss journey.

​Calories in makhana

50 grams of dry-roasted makhanas have 180 calories with no saturated fat or sodium. Because they are so low in calories, makhanas have gained immense popularity as a weight-loss snack.

​Nutrition in makhana

Makhanas are rich in proteins and good carbohydrates. They contain a flavonoid called kaempferol, which has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties. They are gluten-free, high in magnesium, which makes them suitable for heart patients. Despite being rich in carbs the GI index of these puffed white balls is lower than our regular food like bread and rice. Makhana is rich in iron, which is important for the formation of haemoglobin in the blood.

Makhanas for weight loss

As makhanas are low in calories, with no cholesterol and saturated fats, they make for one of the healthiest snacks to lose weight. Their low GI index helps in keeping you fuller for longer and stops you from binge eating later.
According to Ayurveda, makhanas not only aid weight loss but also help in keeping your kidneys in good shape. Multiple researches have found that makhanas boost metabolism by detoxifying the liver.

Anti-ageing

Fox nuts have anti-ageing properties. The presence of enzymes in these nuts inhibits the process of ageing and helps in fixing and preserving the impaired cells that lead to ageing.

​Heart-healthy

Makhana is high in magnesium, which is important for a healthy heart and for the regulation of potassium, sodium and calcium in the blood.

Aids insomnia

Consuming a handful of makhanas daily helps in improving the sleep pattern as well as corrects any sleeping disorder. It has nerve-stimulating properties that help in inducing sleep by reducing stress.

Helpful in infertility

Regular consumption of fox nuts is excellent in curing and fighting infertility, especially amongst women. It helps by strengthening the lining of the uterus. It is also known to improve the sperm count as well as the quality of sperm in males.

Ayurveda prescribes makhanas for infertility issues and erectile dysfunction.

​Low Glycemic index

The low GI index of fox nuts helps in keeping you energetic throughout the day.
How to eat makhanas for weight loss

Dry roasted makhanas

As the name suggests, dry roasted makhanas do not involve any ingredient like oil or ghee. For making these, simply place your makhanas in a non-stick pan and roast them on a low flame until they become slightly brown. You can store them in an air tight jar and consume them later as well.

Makhana roasted in ghee/coconut oil

To add more flavor to Makhanas, you can add a tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil to your pan for roasting them. Additionally, you can add salt or chat masala to make them tastier.

Home-made favoured makhanas

If you do not like plain roasted makhanas, you can make flavoured makhanas at home too. All you need to do is roast them in ghee and add spices and condiments like mint leaves, curry leaves, garlic powder, coriander powder, green chillies, turmeric powder, etc. You can also add almonds, cashew or peanuts to add more crunch to this healthy snack.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                    

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Health Benefits Of Fox Nuts (Makhana)

Makhana, also well known as 'fox nut' or 'lotus seed', has proven to be a powerhouse of healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fibers; they are loaded with medical properties, are absolutely healthy for diabetic patients and those who have a history of high blood pressure. 

Makhanas are the new popcorn! As they are crunchy, tasty, easy to prepare, economical and healthy.
When we think of a light evening snack, we often think of a packet of fried chips or Kurkure. However, it is high time that we think of something healthier, as we are already aware of the ill-effects of processed food all around us. So, ditch the unhealthy snack & the dangerous processed food and snack on makhanas as they are free of trans fat and are light on your tummy.

Below are 12 health benefits of makhana you should know:

1. They are low in calories, fat, and sodium. Therefore are the perfect in-between-meal snack. They also make you feel full, so further cravings for binge eating are reduced.
2. Their low sodium and high potassium and magnesium content make them very useful for people with high blood pressure.
3. The high calcium content is good for bone and teeth health.
4. Their sugar content is low, and so are highly useful for diabetics, who have the urge to eat at short intervals.
5. The fox nuts have astringent properties and are useful for kidney ailments.
6. People looking for weight loss should try makhana, as they are very low in calories but can fill the stomach. This helps control hunger pangs and intake of high-calorie foods.
7. It is rich in fiber and so can be used in weight loss as well as for digestion problems like constipation.
8. Fox nuts are rich in antioxidants and therefore useful in fighting ageing and chronic inflammation and antioxidants.
9. In both men and women, makhana is believed to improve fertility rates. The sperm quality and quantity is believed to improve when makhana is consumed.
10. Given its multiple benefits, especially calcium and iron, pregnant women are given makhana. It also helps prevent hypertension and diabetes in a pregnant woman.
11. Fox nuts are believed to help get rid of insomnia.
12. If addiction to coffee is your problem, try some fox nuts to get rid of the addiction.

Methods of use:

1. The seeds are actually tasteless and so whether it is salt or sweet, they take on the added taste.
2. Roast the seeds with a little ghee on a light flame. Sprinkle salt, and the yummy snack is good to go.
3. Other spices like cinnamon or oregano can be added to suit one’s taste.
4. They can also be used in sweet dishes like kheer and other desserts.

If you are looking for a super snack that is highly healthy, economical and has no hazards on your health, go ahead and grab a bowl of fox nuts!

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                      PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                           https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         https://my crochet creations.blogspot.com/