Makhana For Babies and Toddlers - Benefits, Side Effects, and Easy to go Recipes.

 Makhana is an Indian Word for roasted and Popped Seeds of the water lily plant(also called fox nuts ). Makhana is an ideal food option for growing babies as they are high in magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. It has loads of essential nutrients that are needed for a growing baby. Makhanas are among one of the healthiest food options and can be introduced to babies anytime after six months of age. Health-giving properties and the nutritional benefits of Makhana are valued by medical science and now makhana is becoming popular worldwide. Rich in nutrients and low in allergens, makhana is a fantastic addition to a baby's diet.

 

When Can Makhana be Introduced to Babies or infants?

Makhana can be given at any time after 6 months of age. When you have introduced your baby to rice and cereals, then start giving smaller amounts of makhanas in a powder form. It is a great idea to start with 1 tbsp of makhana one time a day for 2-3 days to check if the baby shows any allergic reaction. 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. For toddlers or for babies who are comfortable with chewing their food, you can always give them roast the makhanas as fox seeds for toddlers is a great finger food option. 

Nutritional Facts Of Makhanas:

When it comes to introducing solid foods to babies, parents are often on the lookout for nutritious options that are gentle on their little one's developing digestive systems. Fox Nuts Though small are a powerhouse of nutrients that support the healthy growth and development of babies.

100 Grams of Makhana Contains:

calories:347

Protein:9.7gm

Fats:0.1gm

carbohydrates:76.9gm

Fibre:14.5gm

Total Lipids(Fats):0.1gm

Calcium:60mg

Iron:1.4mg

 

Benefits Of Makhanas For Babies:

There are many benefits of Makhanas for Babies and Toddlers-

• Lotus seeds are rich in calcium thus making them a great source for the development of your baby's bones and teeth.
•  Being a rich source of protein, these seeds are ideal food supplements for babies as they help strengthen the baby’s muscles and bones.
•  Makhanas seeds are the safest food for babies as they are gluten-free, Gluten-free food is less likely to cause allergies in babies.
•  Being a rich source of protein, these seeds are ideal food supplements for babies as they help strengthen the baby’s muscles and bones.
•  Makhanas are loaded with antioxidant properties, which are great for maintaining good health for babies, and they also protect them from severe health conditions.
• It may prove to be one of the ideal food options during travels.
•  These seeds contain good amounts of fiber and thus help in keeping your baby’s digestive system in place.
• The contents of makhanas help prevent inflammation in babies, making it an excellent food for chronic inflammation.
•  Makhanas promote good sleep in babies.
• Makhanas are also beneficial for maintaining great kidney health.

 

 

Side Effects Of Makhanas on Babies:

No doubt makhanas are great for babies and toddlers but they can cause some side effects too -

Increasing Body Heat:

These seeds are known to increase body heat and thus should be carefully given during summer months.

Digestion Issues:

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

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 Makhana:

Always check the expiry date before buying and prefer buying smaller packs.

Prefer buying organic fox seeds rather than inorganic ones, as organic seeds are grown without any chemicals.

Tips to Store the Makhans:

Always store these seeds in a clean and airtight container, as they can be highly affected by moisture.

Make sure you cut the makhanas and check for any worms or mold, before giving it to your baby.

Tips To Avoid The Side-Effects Of Makhana on Babies:

Though the makhanas are great for babies and toddlers, they can cause some side effects,here are some tips to avoid the side-effects on babies:

Wait Until the Right Age and Start with Small Portions:

First, consult with your pediatrician and then start giving makhanas to babies anytime after 6 months of age, Start with small amounts of mashed or powdered makhanas mixed with breast milk or formula.

Avoid to give the makhanas that are hard in texture:

It can be seen that some makhanas in the packet are hard in texture. Avoid giving these makhanas to babies, especially in roasted form. This will help to reduce the chances of digestive disturbances in the babies.

Cut the makhanas into pieces before roasting :

Cut the makhanas into smaller pieces to check for any worms or mold, also this will help the toddler to chew the makhana properly. 

Sprinkle some water on makhanas while roasting to make the bit soft and easy to digest.

 

Makhana Food Recipes for Infants:

 Makhana is crunchy and bland in taste, a variety of flavors and spices can be added to it to get different types of dishes. 

1. Makhana Cereal powder:( For 6-8 months old babies ):

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

Ingredients

1 cup makhana seeds and 4 to 5 cashew nuts.

Procedure

1. Cut the makhanas into half to check for any worms.

2. Roast the makhanas on low heat until they turn crispy.

3. Roast the cashew nuts on low heat.

4. Put all the ingredients in a mixer jar and grind to a fine powder.

5. Store the powder in a clean and airtight jar.

 

2.Makhana Kheer:

Ingredients:

• Half Cup makhanas or 1-2 tbsp makhana powder.
• 1tbsp of ghee
• 3/4 th cup of water
• Jaggery or sweetener of your choice 

 

Procedure:

1. Heat ghee in a shallow pan, and roast the half-cut makhanas or makhana powder for 1-2 min on low heat.

2. Add water and heat till you get your desired consistency or till the makhanas are turned mushy and gooey.

 3. Add the sweetener of your choice and mix well. 

 

3.Roasted Makhans For Babies (Above 8 months of age):

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 fox seeds or makhanas.

· 2 teaspoons ghee or any oil.

· Salt to taste.

· ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (Optional).

· ½ teaspoon cumin powder (Optional)

· ¼ teaspoon pepper powder (Optional)

 

Procedure:

1. Chop the makhanas into smaller pieces in half.

2. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a heavy bottom pan.

3. Add Chopped makhanas and roast them on a low flame for a couple of minutes until they turn crispy.

4. Take another pan, heat one teaspoon of ghee add turmeric powder, cumin powder, and pepper powder, and cook for a few seconds. ( adding spies is optional)

5. Transfer the roasted makhanas into the spice mix, add salt, and mix well.

6. You can store these yummy roasted makhanas in a clean airtight jar for a few days.

 

 

4.Makhana Sujji Kheer:

Ingredients:

· Makhana.

· Sooji.

· Ghee

· Milk.

· Jaggery or sweetener of your choice.

· Cardamom powder.(optinal).

 

Procedure

1. Heat ghee in a shallow pan.

2. Add some makahanas or makhana powder, roast for a minute on low heat, and keep aside.

3. Dry roast sooji in a pan on low heat for 1 min.

4. Grind them together or mix them well.

5. Take hot milk in a pan and add the powder or mixture to it.

6. Heat and stir the mixture on low till it gets thick.

  

4`. Makhana Salad For Toddlers:

Ingredients:

• Half Cup makhanas.
• 1tbsp of ghee.
• 1 tbsp nuts.
• 1 tbsp chopped tomato.
• 1 tbsp chopped cucumber.
• Salt for test.
• Black paper powder (Optional).      

 

Procedure:

1. Heat ghee in a shallow pan, and roast the half-cut makhanas for 1-2 min on low heat till it gets crispy.

2. In a pan heat some ghee and roast nuts for 1-2 mins on low heat.

3. Take some ghee in a pan, toss the chopped tomato and cucumber on high heat for 30 sec, and take it out.

 3. Mix them all and add some salt and a pinch of black paper powder. 

 

 

 

Precautions to Take While Giving Makhana to Your Baby:

Prefer buying organic fox nuts and storing them in a clean and airtight container as the moisture can spoil them.

Cut the makhanas into smaller pieces to check for worms or any mold before giving it to your baby.

Give makhanas to your child in the recommended quantity, as excessive intake can cause bloating in children.

 

 

FAQ:

1. How to give makhana to a 6-month-old baby?

For a 6-month-old baby, you can start giving makhanas in liquid form, the best way is to start with small amounts of mashed or powdered makhanas mixed with breast milk or formula.

 

2. Can I give makhana to my baby daily?

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

 

 

3. How much makhana in a day for baby

Start with 1 tbsp of makhana porridge and check whether the baby shows an allergic reaction. you can increase the amount gradually based on the baby's tolerance and preferences.

 

4. Is makhana good for babies with weight gain?

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

5. Which is better roasted or raw makhana?

The healthiest way to eat makhana is to roast it with ghee or oil.