Makhana Smoothie: Tried This Power Drink Made With Foxnuts?
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Generally, smoothies are made healthy and rich in protein and calcium adding milk products or fruits and even detoxing vegetables. This smoothie recipe is a bit different, it is made of no dairy products or oats and also contains no sugar. It is high in fibre and protein and low in calories. This keeps a person full for long and thus prevents unnecessary cravings, resulting in weight loss. 

The smoothie is made of  phool makhanas also called fox nuts, apples and dates which contribute towards making this smoothie super healthy and delicious. Phool Makhanas are super rich in nutrients like potassium, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, thiamine and high antioxidants. 1 cup of makhana provides around 4 gram of protein, thus making it rich in protein. 

There are numerous benefits of this single ingredient. This is loaded with antioxidants like gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and epicatechin. It has a low glycemic index and has anti-aging properties. It is good for the heart, bones, digestive system and kidney and even promotes good sleep. It provides instant energy and is good for the skin. 

Makhana is cultivated in India mainly in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Most often found and growing in tropical and subtropical settings is the makhana or fox nut plant. For healthy growth and development, it needs a temperature range of 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, relative humidity of 50% to 90%, and yearly precipitation of 100 to 250 cm. The rains should naturally reach water bodies with less than 50% water transparency is another ideal circumstance for a growing crop.

The enormous floating nature leaves of this commercially significant aquatic and prickly water plant measure between one and two metres in length and are created on petioles that are between three and five feet long. The leaves are green on the upper side and purple on the bottom side. The plant does well in perennial stagnant water basins. 

Here’s the recipe for Phool Makhana Smoothie.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium apple
  • ¾ cup phool makhana 
  • 1-2 soft dates
  • 8-10 cashew nuts (soaked)
  • 150-200 ml coconut water
  • 1 tsp peanut butter

Method:

  • Dry roast the makhanas for 5-8 minutes and let them cool down.
  • Chop apples into small pieces.
  • Blent the makhana in a blending jar and convert them into powder and take it out of the blending jar.
  • Now, deseed the dates and add it in the blending jar.
  • Add the diced apples, makhana powder, and the soaked cashews.
  • Then, add some coconut water.
  • Then, add peanut butter and blend until the smoothie gets a smooth texture.
  • Pour the smoothie in a glass and enjoy.