Makhana vs Roasted Chana: Which Is Healthier and Better for Weight Loss?

Various healthy snacks can be made with makhana and roasted chana. Both snacks are convenient, affordable, and healthier than fried or sugary snacks. But if the purpose of eating these snacks is for better nutrition and losing weight, what is the best choice for the person making this decision?

The Nutritional Differences of Makhana vs Roasted Chana

Makhana (also known as lotus seeds and fox nuts) are light, low-calorie snacks. They have many antioxidant properties (good for your body) and are a source of many minerals (magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus). Because of the low-fat content, makhana is the ultimate snack you can have guilt-free.

Roasted chana are very nutritionally dense. They are a source of plant protein and fibre. They also have a lower glycaemic (impact on blood sugar) than makhana, which keeps blood sugar levels steady.

“To put it simply, makhana are very light snacks, while roasted chana are much more filling and provide a higher protein content,” shares Dr Archana Batra, Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator.

Also Read: Raw, Roasted Or Soaked: The Best Way To Eat Seeds

Is Makhana Or Roasted Chana Better For Weight Loss?

Although roasted chana is typically the better choice due to its higher protein and fibre content, it is still acceptable for either type of snack to support a weight loss diet.

Protein helps you feel full longer, reduces cravings, and preserves muscle mass when you’re eating fewer calories than your body burns. Choosing foods that contain protein will help you stick to your calorie limit without feeling deprived or hungry.

Fibre does the same thing by slowing the rate of digestion. Fibre keeps you full longer because it takes longer to digest than other nutrients. Therefore, if you eat more fibre, chances are that you’ll eat less food between meals.

Roasted chana offers more protein and fibre than makhana; therefore, they’re likely to keep you fuller longer than makhana will. In addition, portion control plays an important role in weight loss, too.

Many people don’t realise how much they consume when they pour a large bowl of flavoured makhana, which can contain added salt, butter, or a seasoning packet. As a result, the number of calories consumed from these items adds up quickly and can exceed the calories burned throughout your day.

Also Read: 6 Benefits of Eating Foxnut During Pregnancy

Is Makhana or Roasted Chana Healthier Overall?

Both of these snacks can fit into a healthy eating plan, but what is healthier is determined by your individual needs.

• If you’re looking for a lighter evening snack, makhana is likely the better option for you.
• If you have a low appetite or a sensitive digestive system, then makhana may be the best option.
• If you’re looking for a low-fat option, then makhana is your best option.

Roasted chana is higher in terms of:

• Weight loss and managing hunger
• Dieting with plant-based protein sources
• Helping maintain blood sugar levels
• Post workout snack

NOTE: Nutritionally, roasted chana provides better ratios of protein and fibre when compared to the others.

Also Read: 7 Smart Snack Swaps to Keep You Energised at Your Desk

How to consume

Despite worrying about which is better and eliminating one from your diet, they can be used judiciously together. Makhana is great to snack on in the afternoon, while roasted chana may satisfy your appetite for much longer than makhana.

TIP: Both of these snacks are nutritious and balanced if you have them with sugar-free tea, fruit, or nuts.

Final Word
There are no quick fixes to achieve sustained weight loss; the most important things that will have a greater impact on your success or failure than anything else are your overall eating pattern, your activity level, your rest, and your ability to consistently do the things I mentioned above, not whether you should eat makhana or roasted chana.