Makhana for Babies – Benefits and Recipes

Fox nuts are highly nutritious, and in India, they are popularly known as makhanas. These popped seeds are widely consumed during the fasting season or as a healthy snacking option. Being calorie-dense food, makhanas make one feel full and satiated in no time. Makhanas are not only an excellent dietary supplement for adults but also an ideal food option for growing babies. The versatile makhanas are readily available in supermarkets or grocery stores. And you can use these nutritious seeds in various ways in your baby’s diet too. Read this article to know how your baby can benefit from eating makhanas. Also, check some makhana recipes that you can make for your baby.

What Are the Nutrients Present in Makhana?

Lotus seeds or makhanas are packed with many essential nutrients. The following table shows the nutritional content present in the makhanas:

The values mentioned above are approx nutritional content present in 100 grams makhana.

When Can Makhanas Be Introduced to Infants?

Makhanas or fox nuts are one of the healthiest foods for babies and can be introduced to babies anytime after they turn six months of age. It is a good idea to start with smaller amounts; for example, a spoonful of makhana powder can be given for three to four days. Once your baby gets comfortable with it and exhibits no signs of allergy or other issues, you can slowly increase the number of makhanas in your baby’s diet. Older babies, who are comfortable with chewing their food, can be given roasted seeds because lotus seeds for toddlers are a great finger food option. No doubt makhanas are great for babies and toddlers but do not give these seeds in large amounts to babies. These seeds are known to increase the body heat and thus should be carefully given during summer months.

What Are the Benefits of Makhana for Babies?

Here are some benefits of lotus seeds for toddlers and babies:

• Lotus seeds are power-packed with the goodness of calcium and thus great for the development of your growing baby’s bones and teeth.
• These yummy seeds are gluten-free, which makes them one of the safest foods for babies. This is because gluten-free food is less likely to cause allergies in babies.
• Being a rich source of protein, these seeds are ideal food supplement for babies as it helps in strengthening baby’s muscles and bones.
• Makhanas are loaded with antioxidant properties, which are great for maintaining good health for babies, and it also protects them from severe health conditions.
• These seeds contain ample amounts of fibre and thus help in keeping your baby’s digestive system in place.
• Makhanas are also beneficial for maintaining great kidney health.
• These seeds are calorie-dense and thus make your baby feel satiated and satisfied.  Thus it may prove to be one of the ideal food options during travels.
• The contents of makhanas help prevent inflammation in babies, making it an excellent food for chronic inflammation.
• Makhanas promotes good sleep in babies as it has components such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins.

Side Effects of Makhana on Babies

Now that you have read about the benefits of lotus seeds, let’s take a look at the side effects of makhana.

1. Digestion Issue

If consumed in large amounts, makhanas can cause digestive disturbances resulting in bloating, flatulence, and constipation in babies.

2. Irregular Heartbeat

Lotus seeds are known to have anti-arrhythmic properties; therefore, they should not be fed to babies with cardiovascular issues without consulting their doctor.

Tips to Select and Store Makhana

Every mother wants to offer the best things to her baby and whenever you are planning to buy and store this wonder food for your baby, here are some tips that may come handy:

• Prefer organic seeds rather than non-organic ones. This is because organic seeds are grown without any chemicals and thus a better and healthier option for your baby.
• Always check for the expiry date and buy smaller packets.
• Any moisture may spoil the makhanas, therefore, always store them in a clean airtight container.
• Make sure you cut the makhanas and check for any worms, before giving it your baby.
• Always exercise moderation while giving these seeds to your baby.

Makhana Food Recipes for Infants

You can introduce this superfood in your baby’s diet in various ways. We shall be discussing some simple and easy makhana recipes for babies to relish and enjoy. Following are some makhana or fox nut recipes for babies that you can try.

1. Fox Nut Cereal Powder

This cereal powder is easy to make and it a great food option for your baby, especially when you are travelling or are short of time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup makhana seeds
• 4 to 5 cashew nuts
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom seeds

Procedure

1. Cut the makhanas into half to check for any worms.
2. Dry roast these seeds in a heavy-bottomed pan until they turn crispy.
3. Roast the cashew nuts on low heat.
4. Let the makhanas and cashew nuts cool down.
5. Put all the ingredients in a mixer jar and grind to a fine powder.
6. Sieve the powder and store it in an airtight jar.

Servings

• Makes ½ cup of cereal powder.

2. Makhana Porridge

You can use the ready to use cereal powder to make makhana porridge for babies or try out the following recipe.

Ingredients

• ½ cup makhanas
• 1 teaspoon of ghee
• ¾ cup of water
• Jaggery, fruit puree or dates syrup (as per choice)

Procedure

1. Cut the makhanas in halves and keep aside.
2. Heat ghee in a shallow pan and roast the makhanas for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add water and cook until the makhanas turn mushy and gooey.
4. Add a sweetner of your choice and mix well.
5. For a smoother texture, the makhana kheer or porridge can be churned in a mixer.

Servings

• Serves 1

3. Yummy Roasted Makhanas

This is a great finger food option for babies who are eight months old or babies who can chew solid food comfortably.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lotus seeds or makhana
• 2 teaspoons desi ghee or any other oil you wish to use
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper powder
• Salt to taste

Procedure

1. Chop the makhanas into small pieces.
2. Take a heavy-bottomed pan and heat one teaspoon ghee in it.
3. Add the chopped makhanas and roast on low flame for a few minutes or until they turn crispy.
4. In a separate pan, heat one teaspoon ghee and add turmeric powder, cumin powder and pepper powder and cook for a few seconds.
5. Add roasted makhanas into the spice mix and add salt. Mix well.
6. Let the roasted makhanas cool down before you transfer the contents into a clean airtight jar.
7. Use clean hands or clean spoon to scoop out makhanas from the jar. Do not put the unused or uneaten makhanas back in the jar.

Servings

• Serves 1

4. Makhana Sooji Kheer

Quite an easy recipe to prepare and your kids will love the kheer’s unique taste.

Ingredients

• Makhana
• Sooji
• Milk
• Cardamom powder
• Jaggery

Procedure

1. Take a spoon of sooji and some makhanas and dry roast them.
2. Grind it into a coarse powder.
3. Add the powder to hot milk, along with a little cardamom powder.
4. Add jaggery to get the sweet flavour
5. Turn off the flame once the kheer is thick.

Servings

• Servers 1-2

Precautions to Take While Giving Makhana to Your Baby

• Consider buying organic fox nuts in place of non-organic ones.
• Store the makhanas in an air-tight container, as they can be highly affected by moisture.
• Check for worms or any mold before giving them to your baby.
• Give makhanas to your child in recommended quantity, as excessive intake can cause bloating in children.

FAQs

1. Can You Give Makhana Daily to Your Baby and What Is the Best Time to Eat?

Yes, you can give makhanas to your baby daily, but in recommended amount only. You can give your little one makhanas as an evening snack.

2. Are Makhanas Easy to Digest for a Baby?

Yes, babies can very easily digest makhanas once they cross six months of age or more. But make sure that your baby is comfortable with rice and cereals before introducing them.

3. Does Makhana Help to Increase Baby’s Weight?

Yes, makhanas support babies in healthy weight gain and also keep them energetic and active.

In conclusion, makhanas can be a nutritious and tasty addition to your baby’s diet. However, before you add makhana or any other new food in your baby’s diet, you should seek your doctor’s advice. When you start new foods, try the 3-day rule to check whether or not your baby is allergic to any food.

Resources/References:

1. How Much Makhana To Eat; makhana.org; https://makhana.org/makhana-growers/how-much-makhana-to-eat/

2. Market Intelligence Report: Makhana; agriexchange.apeda.gov.in; https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/Weekly_eReport/Makhana_Report.pdf

3. Makhana: A Superfood for Sure!; consumer-voice.org; https://consumer-voice.org/guest-column/makhana-superfood/

4. MODEL DETAILED PROJECT REPORT MAKHANA PROCESSING; horticulture.bihar.gov.in; http://horticulture.bihar.gov.in/HORTMIS/BAIPP/Downloads/ModelDPRMakhana.pdf

Also Read:

Eating Asparagus for Infants
Consuming Tofu for Babies
Eating Butternut Squash for Infants