External and internal factors significantly affect the health and functioning of the skin. Eating the right foods will not only enhance the natural beauty but also help to minimize wrinkles, acne, inflammation, and other skin-related conditions.
The objective of this article is to find out what are the benefits of makhana for the skin. Makhana is also known as lotus seed, is an essential aquatic economic plant’s seed, i.e., “Lotus.” Makhana has been approved to use as both foods and in medicine. Makhana possess several pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-amnesic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities.
Foods containing healthy fats, Protein, Vitamins, and minerals are necessary to maintain the good health of the skin. [1]
Makhana is rich in these required nutrients, and every 32g cup of dried makhana contains [2]
- Calories – 106
- Carbohydrates – 20.6g
- Protein – 4.9g
- Omega-3 fatty acids – 32.6mg
- Vitamin A – 16 IU
- Calcium – 52.2 mg
- Iron – 1.1 mg
- Magnesium – 67.2mg
- Phosphorus – 200mg
- Potassium – 438mg
- Sodium – 1.6mg
- Zinc – 0.3mg
What are the Benefits of Eating Makhana for Skin?
1. Prevents Aging of the Skin
Skin is regularly directly exposed to the air, solar radiation, and other environmental pollutants. These factors are capable of inducing the generation of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). [3]
Free radicals try to grab an extra electron from atoms in the Skin to stabilize themselves. When molecules are taken from the skin, it causes oxidative stress and DNA damage, which leads to skin aging.
The antioxidants, such as vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, can reduce the concentration of these free radicals in the tissues. [4]
Makhana or lotus seed possess antioxidant properties and has been proved as a rich source of flavonoids. [5]
So, regular eating of makhana can provide the necessary antioxidants. As a result, it helps to prevent skin aging.
2. Protects from Skin Cancer
Exposure of the skin to UV radiation results in inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, deregulation of cellular signaling pathways, and immunosuppression that lead to skin cancer. [6]
It has been measured that ultraviolet radiation contributes up to 80% and is the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer. [3]
One research done by Liu et al. reported that ethanol extracts of lotus seeds are useful in the treatment of tissue inflammation and cancer. In another study done by Park et al. reported that lotus seeds can prevent oxidizing damages to DNA. [7]
Another experiment has proved that polyphenols have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, DNA repair capability, and act as protective agents against the adverse effects of UV radiation.
Makhana possesses one such polyphenol “flavonoids,” which can help to reduce the adverse effect of UV radiation and can prevent skin cancer.
3. Maintains Skin Moisture
Moisture content is a crucial factor in maintaining the beauty and health of the skin. In the absence of moisture content, the skin loses its elasticity and glossiness.
UV irradiation to the skin damages keratinocytes of the epidermis, which causes thickness of keratin layer, as a result, causes dehydration.
Lotus seed tea intake has been shown to prevent drying of the skin due to UV radiation to a certain degree.
In an experiment, 10 hairless mice were tested for 6 months and given lotus seed tea. After ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, it has been found that the group taken lotus seed tea showed protection against UVB exposure.
After the experiment, it has been concluded that long-term intake of the lotus seed tea helps to prevent formation of abnormal keratinocytes, protein oxidation and loss of skin moisture. [7]
4. Prevents Inflammation
The signs and symptoms of inflammation can be an uncomfortable situation. Inflammation is right for a short period and a sign that our immune system is naturally healing an injury or fighting infection.
However, sometimes, inflammation can persist longer than necessary, causing a sense of concern.
One research has suggested that the lotus seed could help to reduce inflammation. The purified polysaccharides from lotus plumule exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. [8]
5. May Prevent Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that is common among adolescents and young adults.
One research has proved that diet plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of acne. [9]
In another study, following the dietary test, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin A, and zinc have been proved beneficial in the treatment of acne. [10]
Makhana contains these nutrients. So, regular eating of makhana may contribute to the prevention of acne.
How to Eat Makhana?
First, dry roast the makhana and sprinkle over spices or add honey, butter or any other flavor to make it tastier and digestive health snacks.
Or
Makhana can be prepared as makhana kheer, makhana soup or can be added with vegetable salads.
Also Read: How to Use Aloe Vera for Skin Whitening?