Have you ever heard of gorgon nuts? If not, you are missing out on a delicious and nutritious snack that can boost your health in many ways.
Gorgon nuts, also known as fox nuts, makhana, or prickly water lily seeds, are the edible seeds of the Euryale ferox plant, a water lily native to Asia.
They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine, and are now gaining popularity as a superfood in the modern world.
Here are some of the amazing health benefits of gorgon nuts and why you should include them in your diet.
Gorgon Nuts are Rich in Nutrients
One of the main reasons why gorgon nuts are so good for you is that they are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. A 28-gram serving or ¾ cups of gorgon nuts contains:
- Potassium: 388 milligrams, about 8 percent of your daily value
- Magnesium: 48 milligrams, about 12 percent of your daily value
- Phosphorus: 136 milligrams, about 14 percent of your daily value
- Iron: 1.4 milligrams, about 8 percent of your daily value
- Zinc: 0.9 milligrams, about 8 percent of your daily value
- Copper: 0.2 milligrams, about 11 percent of your daily value
- Manganese: 0.5 milligrams, about 22 percent of your daily value
- Selenium: 5.4 micrograms, about 10 percent of your daily value
- Vitamin B1: 0.1 milligrams, about 7 percent of your daily value
- Vitamin B6: 0.1 milligrams, about 5 percent of your daily value
- Folate: 14 micrograms, about 4 percent of your daily value
As you can see, gorgon nuts provide a good amount of essential nutrients that your body needs for various functions, such as energy production, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood pressure regulation, immune system support, oxygen transport, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and more.
They are also low in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for weight management and heart health. You can buy these nuts from Amazon here:
1. Heart: Gorgon nuts are good for your heart
Speaking of heart health, gorgon nuts have been shown to have beneficial effects on your cardiovascular system.
According to a study, gorgon nuts have antioxidant properties that can protect your heart from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are the main causes of heart disease.
They can also reduce the risk of myocardial ischemia, a condition where the blood flow to the heart is reduced, leading to chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or even heart attack.
Another study found that gorgon nuts can lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, which are the major risk factors for atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can narrow them and impair blood flow.
By consuming gorgon nuts regularly, you can improve your blood circulation, lower your blood pressure, and prevent or treat various heart problems.
2. Digestion: Gorgon nuts are great for Your digestion
If you suffer from digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or indigestion, gorgon nuts can help you out.
They are rich in dietary fiber, which can improve your bowel movements, soften your stools, and prevent or relieve constipation.
Fiber can also feed the good bacteria in your gut, which can enhance your digestion, immunity, and mood.
Moreover, gorgon nuts have astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, which can soothe your stomach and intestines, and prevent or treat diarrhea, ulcers, and infections.
They can also regulate your appetite and prevent overeating, which can cause digestive discomfort and weight gain.
3. Kindeys: Gorgon nuts are beneficial for your kidneys
Your kidneys are vital organs that filter your blood, remove waste and toxins, balance your fluids and electrolytes, and produce hormones.
However, they can be damaged by various factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, stones, or drugs.
Gorgon nuts can protect your kidneys from these threats and improve their function. They can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure, which are the main causes of diabetic and hypertensive kidney disease.
They can also prevent or dissolve kidney stones, which are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can block your urinary tract and cause pain, infection, or kidney failure.
Additionally, gorgon nuts can increase your urine output and flush out the excess water, sodium, and toxins from your body, which can reduce the burden on your kidneys and prevent swelling, edema, or hypertension.
4. Brain: Gorgon nuts are good for your brain
Your brain is the most complex and important organ in your body, responsible for your thoughts, emotions, memory, learning, and behavior.
However, it can also be affected by aging, stress, inflammation, or neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Gorgon nuts can help you maintain and improve your brain health and function. They contain antioxidants that can protect your brain cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, which are the main causes of cognitive decline and dementia.
They also contain magnesium, which is essential for your brain’s electrical activity, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic plasticity, which are the basis of your learning, memory, and mood.
Furthermore, gorgon nuts can boost your blood flow to the brain, which can enhance your oxygen and nutrient delivery, and prevent or treat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage or death.
How to eat Gorgon nuts
Now that you know the amazing health benefits of gorgon nuts, you might be wondering how to eat them. Well, there are many ways to enjoy this superfood, depending on your preference and taste. Here are some of the most common and delicious ways to eat gorgon nuts:
- Roasted: You can roast gorgon nuts in a pan with some oil, salt, and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, or chili, and enjoy them as a crunchy and savory snack. Roasting can also enhance the nutrient content of gorgon nuts, as it reduces the water content and concentrates the protein, fat, fiber, and minerals.
- Puffed: You can also puff gorgon nuts by heating them in a microwave or an oven, and they will pop like popcorn. Puffed gorgon nuts are light and airy, and can be eaten plain or with some honey, sugar, or cinnamon for a sweet treat.
- Cooked: You can also cook gorgon nuts in various dishes, such as soups, curries, salads, or stir-fries, and add some flavor and texture to your meals. You can also make a porridge or pudding with gorgon nuts by boiling them in milk, water, or coconut milk, and adding some sugar, cardamom, saffron, or nuts for a creamy and delicious dessert.
- Ground: You can also grind gorgon nuts into a fine powder and use it as a flour for baking or making pancakes, bread, or cookies. You can also mix it with some water or milk and drink it as a beverage.
Are there any side effects of eating too many gorgon nuts?
Gorgon nuts are generally safe and healthy to eat, but like any food, they may have some side effects if consumed in excess. Some of the possible side effects of eating too many gorgon nuts are:
- Flatulence, constipation, and bloating. Gorgon nuts are high in fiber, which can improve your digestion, but also cause gas and discomfort if you eat too much of it.
- Low blood sugar levels, especially in people on a high insulin dose. Gorgon nuts have a low glycemic index, which means they do not raise your blood sugar rapidly, but they can also lower it too much if you eat too many of them.
- Allergy, especially for those who have a nut allergy. Gorgon nuts are not true nuts, but they may still trigger an allergic reaction in some people who are sensitive to nuts or seeds.
Therefore, it is advisable to eat gorgon nuts in moderation and consult your doctor before adding them to your diet if you have any medical conditions or allergies. Gorgon nuts are a nutritious and delicious snack, but they should not replace a balanced and varied diet.
How to make Gorgon nuts aka Makhana or Fox nuts?
Take a look at the process of making Makhana or Gorgon nuts or fox nuts:
Conclusion
Gorgon nuts are a superfood that can offer you many health benefits, such as improving your heart, digestion, kidneys, and brain.
They are also rich in nutrients, low in calories, and versatile in cooking. You can eat them roasted, puffed, cooked, or ground, and enjoy their taste and texture.
Citations:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euryale_ferox
- https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
- https://ayurtimes.in/makhana-fox-nuts-benefits/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/parkinsons-and-alzheimers-5207704
- https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_health_benefits_of_fox_nuts/article.htm
- https://www.parentune.com/parent-blog/is-it-safe-to-eat-makhana-during-pregnancy/4899
