Makhana VS Roasted Chana: People trying to lose weight often struggle with the same question – what to eat when hungry? Many people prefer to have light snacks instead of eating three big meals a day, but the real challenge starts from here, because not every snack is healthy. In such situations, two names come up again and again – Makhana and roasted gram. Both are easily available in Indian kitchen, cheap and considered nutritious. Some people like to eat makhana with evening tea, while for others, roasted gram gives more satisfaction. These two snacks are also discussed a lot on social media and fitness blogs. The question is, if your goal is to lose weight then which of these two can be a better option? The answer is a bit interesting, because both have their own advantages. Let us understand in simple language how Makhana and roasted gram help in different ways in the weight loss journey.
Why is it important to choose the right snack?
Weight loss is not limited to just eating less. The real game depends on what you are eating, if the snack is such that it fills the stomach quickly and does not leave you feeling hungry for a long time, then consuming unnecessary calories can be avoided. For example, many people eat biscuits or snacks in the evening. This makes you feel hungry again after some time, but if a snack containing protein or fiber is taken at the same time, the stomach remains full for a longer time. This is the reason why fitness experts emphasize on healthy snacking.
Makhana: Light but full of nutrition
Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is made from lotus seeds. It is light and crispy, so people eat it in large quantities without hesitation.
Special features of Makhana
-The biggest feature of Makhana is its low calories. There are about 70 to 80 calories in 30 grams of makhana. This is why people on diet often include it in their snacks.
-Apart from this, antioxidants, potassium and some essential minerals are also found in Makhana. These support digestion and make the body feel light.
-If we talk about taste, Makhana can be eaten in many ways. Fry it with light ghee and black pepper, or add turmeric and chaat masala – you get a new taste every time.
Roasted gram: Powerful source of protein
Roasted gram is one of the oldest healthy snacks in India. From village to city, it is liked everywhere.
Specialty of roasted gram
-The amount of protein in roasted gram is quite good. This is the reason why it helps in keeping the stomach full for a long time, if you are troubled by feeling hungry again and again during the day, then roasted gram can be a good option.
-30 grams of roasted gram contains approximately 120 to 130 calories. That means calories are slightly more than makhana, but it also contains more protein and fiber.
-Fitness trainers often recommend that people who go to the gym or have a more active lifestyle should eat roasted gram. Due to this the body keeps getting energy gradually.
Direct comparison of calories and nutrition
-If we look at it only from calorie perspective, Makhana is a light snack. Therefore, for people whose goal is to strictly reduce calories, this can be a better option.
On the other hand, roasted gram is rich in protein and fiber. This means that it keeps the stomach full for longer periods of time and can reduce the desire to eat unnecessary food.
-That is, if you feel hungry quickly then roasted gram can prove to be more useful.
Taste and ways of eating
Makhana is light and fluffy. It can also be eaten by roasting it with spices or adding it to light curry. Many people also eat it with milk. Roasted gram is a little hard and crisp. It can be eaten by mixing it in chaat, salad or curd. Many people also eat it with jaggery, which increases both taste and energy.
After all, who is better in weight loss?
The truth is that both makhana and roasted gram are healthy snacks. The only difference is your need and quantity of food, if you want a light snack with low calories then Makhana is better. On the other hand, if you want to keep your stomach full for a long time and need protein, then roasted gram can be a good option. Diet experts also say that it is wiser to maintain balance instead of depending on one thing.
(Disclaimer: The information and information given in this article is based on general assumptions. Hindi news18 does not confirm these. Contact the concerned expert before implementing them.)