Makhana Vs peanut: Which is a healthier weight-loss snack?

Snacking is a common eating practice that often involves high-calorie, dense-carb food items, including deep-fried foods, which result in weight gain. Hence, nutritionists often suggest indulging in healthy and low-calorie snacks that are filling too. And the most common snacking items that are mostly referred to are makhana or peanut. They both are nutritious, filling, and provide energy.But the question of concern here is, which one is better for weight loss? Let us analyze.

Peanuts for weight loss
As per experts, peanuts are a cheaper and rich source of high-quality fats and proteins. They take longer to digest and also keep the blood sugar levels stable. Studies suggest that snacking on peanuts in moderation is a good way to control hunger without weight gain. The mighty tree nuts can even boost your metabolic rate, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of developing chronic heart disease.

Also Read: Lesser-known health benefits of eating peanuts daily
Nutritional values of peanuts
100 grams of peanuts contain around 567 calories, 25.8 g of protein, and a total of 49.2 g of fat.

Makhanas for weight loss
On the other hand, makhana is also a rich source of potassium, iron, calcium, protein, and magnesium, which are important for weight loss and gaining muscle mass. They also contain a flavonoid called kaempferol, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties and is known for controlling your cravings and keeping you fuller between your meals. They also help you deal with heart problems, insomnia, infertility issues, and diabetes.
Nutritional values of makhanas
100 g of makhana contains 347 calories, 9.7 g of protein, and a total of 0.1 g of fat.
Also Read:What is makhana? Its health benefits and recipes

Which one makes for a healthier snack?
As per experts, they both have more or less the same nutrient values, promote satiety, and prevent you from overeating and unhealthy munching. They both make for healthy chaat, salad, or can be used to make shakes or smoothies that are filling. If we look at the nutritional values of both the items, the major difference is in their calorie content. Makhanas are low in calories, while peanuts are calorie-dense. So, if you are trying to curb your calorie intake, then makhana makes for a wiser choice over peanuts. As per experts, a mix of both is also a healthier option, where you simply dry roast them and mix along with some seeds and then consume for snacking and feel full for longer duration.