Is Makhana Safe During Pregnancy? Benefits & Side Effects

Makhana in pregnancy is a very useful snack when taken in moderation and in its roasted form. Makhana taken in its roasted form without any flavouring is usually seen as a food item that can be consumed in the diet of pregnant women, although individual requirements may vary. This guide gives all details about the quantity to take, its nutritional value, advantages and disadvantages, and more.

Korigo Snacks advocates that good snacks should be about tasteful decisions. The roasted makhana we produce is suitable as a snack food, but pregnant women need to look at the nutrition facts of any before including it in their daily diet.

Is Makhana Safe in Pregnancy?

Makhana, or fox nuts/gorgon nuts, are popped seeds or kernels of an aquatic plant, Euryale ferox. The nuts contain carbohydrates, along with proteins, fibre, and minerals in small quantities:

There is no specific FSSAI or ICMR guideline that individually mentions makhana as either safe or unsafe during pregnancy.

The general advice provided by FSSAI about pregnancy nutrition suggests a balanced and healthy diet, and no food must be prohibited during pregnancy.

The ICMR provides information on food composition but not specifically about pregnancy nutrition safety.

There is a lack of pregnancy-specific studies on the use of normal food amounts of makhana. Thus, it is more appropriate to define it as a food product that may be incorporated into a healthy diet.

Can Makhana Cause Miscarriage?

No credible scientific evidence has been found showing that consumption of normal amounts of simple roasted makhana results in miscarriage.

Nutrition in Makhana (Per 30 g)

have been identified from its supply of carbohydrates, fibre, and lesser amounts of protein and minerals. But such benefits must be seen as dietary support during pregnancy and not as any form of medication.

These figures represent an approximation for 30 g based on the typical food composition of plain makhana from India. The nutritional value may differ depending on the variety of makhana.

Nutrient	Approx. per 30 g	Why it matters in pregnancy
Calories	~104 kcal	Source of energy as part of a balanced snack
Protein	~2.9 g	Contributes to higher protein requirements
Carbohydrates	~23.1 g	Contributes to energy provision but must be considered in terms of a carbohydrate-restricted diet
Fibre	~4.4 g	Assists in proper bowel movement
Calcium	~18 mg	Contributes to bone and tooth formation requirements
Magnesium	~20 mg	Contributes to appropriate muscle and nerve function
Potassium	~150 mg	Helps proper fluid balance and muscle function
Iron	~0.4 mg	Offers an insignificant amount to the iron content.

Benefits of Makhana in Pregnancy

The consumption of makhana may be considered as a good substitute for some other fried and heavily processed foods if it is dry-roasted or lightly cooked. The nutritive value of makhana lies primarily in the carbohydrates that it contains, along with a lesser amount of protein, fibre and minerals. But these advantages need to be taken in the context of a balanced diet during pregnancy.

Plant Protein and Calcium for Bone Health

Makhana offers a little bit of protein and calcium. This contributes to the total intake requirement for the general well-being of pregnant women and proper bone and tissue development; however, makhana on its own does not satisfy the need for protein and calcium during pregnancy.

Magnesium and Potassium for Proper Functioning of Muscles and Blood Pressure Regulation

The magnesium and potassium found in makhana contribute to the normal functioning of muscles, nerves, and fluids. A balanced diet that includes potassium-rich foods is good for heart health, but makhana cannot be used to treat hypertension or pregnancy-related cramps.

Fibre for Constipation

Makhana offers some fibre, which promotes digestion. During pregnancy, when constipation becomes a problem, fibre-filled snacks like makhana are helpful in addition to drinking lots of water and a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses.

A Convenient Snack for Cravings and Blood Sugar Control

Plain roasted makhana can be a good choice as an alternative to sweet or deep-fried snacks. But keep in mind that it still has considerable carbohydrates, which means that people with gestational diabetes should account for it in their daily carb intake.

Lower-Fat and Lower-Calorie Versus Fried Snacks

Plain makhana is naturally very low in fat compared to many fried snacks. So, when you choose dry-roasted makhana instead of oil-coated variants, you can get a healthier snack.

A Small Contribution of Iron

Makhana has some iron, but the quantity in a standard serving is not too impressive. Thus, it can be considered only as a small source of iron in the diet, not as a substitute for prescribed iron supplements and foods rich in iron.

What Makhana Does Not Do

Makhana does not treat anaemia, constipation, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or any other pregnancy-related conditions. Instead, it can be used as one element of a diverse diet, and the medical issues need to be addressed based on the advice of a doctor.

Simple include roasted makhana with a sprinkle of rock salt, makhana and yoghurt, a homemade trail mix or sweetened makhana kheer.

Side Effects and Risks of Makhana in Pregnancy

Makhana is usually a basic food product, but consuming it in excessive amounts or opting for highly seasoned varieties can lead to avoidable issues. Most worries pertain to the quantity of the consumption.

Bloatedness and Bloating

Consuming a large volume of food in one go could result in bloating or gas formation, especially if there are difficulties with digestion owing to pregnancy. Take a smaller volume if it does not come easy to you.

Constipation

Consuming a lot of fibre but little water might lead to constipation. Ensure that you drink enough water and consume other foods rich in fibre apart from consuming just makhana.

Salt and Oil Content in Packaged Products

Fried makhana might consist of high levels of salt, oil, sugar, dairy products, and other components used for taste-making. Those who have been advised to limit their intake of salt might find such products unsuitable.

Allergy

While makhana is not a nut, just a seed, allergic reactions may occur in some people. In case you have never tasted makhana, try to eat small quantities and do not continue consuming it if any allergic reaction signs appear.

Gestational Diabetes

It is necessary to understand that makhana is not free from carbohydrates. If you have gestational diabetes, you should count it as a carbohydrate product and follow the diet recommended by your doctor.

How Much Makhana Can You Eat in Pregnancy?

No established dose has been found specifically for makhana in pregnancy. The following values are general portion recommendations, not official medical dosages.

Portion	Practical Use
15-20 g	Lower quantity if you suffer from nausea or lack of appetite or are trying makhana for the first time
30-40 g	Reasonable standard range of the snack quantity for most people
50-70 g	Larger quantity; beware of bloating, stomach upset, and total carbohydrate consumption
80 g or more	Should be avoided as standard quantity for one-time snack consumption

Drink a lot of water throughout the day, especially if you are increasing your intake of fibre.

Makhana in Trimesters

First Trimester

Small quantities will be easier on the stomach if there is poor appetite and/or morning sickness. Stick to unsalted, lightly roasted makhana, and consume only if the taste and aroma do not pose a problem for you.

Second Trimester

With increasing nutrient needs, makhana can provide small quantities of calcium, magnesium and protein. The snack should not substitute healthier meals but act as an addition to a healthy and varied diet.

Third Trimester

Make sure to monitor portions, hydration, digestive issues and sodium in packaged versions.

Who Should Be Careful or Check With Their Doctor

Discuss with your doctor or a certified dietitian the inclusion of makhana as a regular snack if you suffer from gestational diabetes, hypertension, oedema, chronic constipation, IBS, or an allergy to seeds and nuts.

Best Ways to Eat Makhana During Pregnancy

One method would be eating dry-roasted makhana with a dash of rock salt or any other mild seasoning. Another one involves mixing roasted makhana into yoghurt or creating a homemade trail mix. Makhana kheer that uses milk and reduced amounts of sugar would be another choice.

Improved Preparation Methods

• Dry or slightly roasted instead of deep-fried
• Unsalted or slightly salted instead of highly salted
• Flavoured makhana, with care about salt content and other additives
• Makhana kheer prepared with milk and some amount of sugar
• Alongside yoghurt or part of a home-prepared trail mix

It is recommended that you buy fresh and clean makhana from a reputable source and store it in an airtight box in a cool and dry place.

Makhana During Pregnancy: A Healthy Choice in Moderation

Roasted makhana without any added ingredients can be considered a good makhana in pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is advised to take it in moderation along with a well-balanced diet.

As far as Korigo Snacks is concerned, our products emphasise the use of , which is both tasty and healthy. For pregnant women, one may consider makhana for regular consumption, making sure of the individual ingredients used in flavours and amounts.

For gestational diabetes, swelling, high blood pressure, digestion issues or an allergy to makhana, you need to consult your gynaecologist or nutritionist.

FAQs

Can I eat makhana every day in pregnancy?

Yes. Regular consumption of plain roasted makhana is fine in moderation if it fits your diet and your doctor has not restricted you from consuming it. A reasonable amount is about 30 g.

Is makhana safe in the first trimester?

Simple roasted makhana may be safely taken during the first trimester in moderation, provided one is not nauseous or repulsive to the taste.

Can makhana cause miscarriage?

There is no scientific evidence available about the normal quantity of plain roasted makhana resulting in miscarriage. However, there is not much scientific research about the use of makhana in pregnant women; therefore, it should be taken as a food and not a medicine.

Is makhana good for gestational diabetes?

Makhana can form part of some dietary plans for gestational diabetes patients, but it does contain carbohydrates. The serving amount and the rest of the meal count, so you should observe the amounts of carbs recommended by your doctor or dietitian.

Can I eat roasted or flavoured makhana?

Plain makhana is always the better option. Flavoured makhana might include additional ingredients such as salt, sugar, oil, milk, soy, nuts, or any other ingredients that might trigger allergies, so take care to read the label.