Munakka is a popular type of raisin made from grapes containing seeds.
It’s brown-reddish or black, has seeds, and is generally larger than other raisins varieties.
It is more of a sweet, dried grape and has a long history of improving human health. Being an essential part of Indian cuisine, Munakka is widely used in Ayurvedic medication to treat several health conditions.
It is regarded as a nutrient-dense food that can be used to improve one’s health in a variety of ways. It’s good in dietary fiber and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help prevent age-related diseases.
However, most people aren’t aware of the health benefits that munakka can provide. That’s why, in this post, I’ll show you nine ways munakka can improve your health!
I’ll also be answering some common questions about munakka.
Also read: 6 Different Types Of Raisins You Can Find In A Grocery Store
9 Health benefits of munakka
Munakka and antioxidants
When exposed to pollution, cigarette smoke, and other environmental toxins, free radicals are formed, which can damage your body’s cells and lead to chronic disease development. This damage can also accelerate the aging process, making you look and feel older than you are.
Munakka is high in antioxidants like vitamin A and C, which help to protect your cells from free radical damage and can even help reverse some of the damage.
Moreover, munakka seeds contain Proanthocyanidins, a chemical that reduces the risk of cancer, aging, and other diseases by acting as an antioxidant in the human body.
Munakka and bone health
Munakka is a good source of boron, a mineral that affects nearly every tissue in your body, particularly your bones and teeth. This mineral also functions as a co-factor for vitamin D, sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), and insulin production.
According to research, eating munakka on a regular basis may help women avoid osteoporosis caused by menopause. Furthermore, munakka contains significant potassium and a moderate amount of calcium, essential minerals for your bone health.
Also read: 10 Best Calcium Rich Dry Fruits For Strong And Healthy Bones
Munakka and bowel movements
Bowel movements have a significant impact on our daily lives and are essential for our health. Many people have problems with their bowel movements due to various reasons such as irregularity, pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
The good news is munakka can help you.
Munakka is a good source of fiber that can help people who have trouble with their bowel movements. Eating 5-10 munakka with milk every night for a few days will increase your hunger and aid in healthy digestion. This will also help remove harmful toxins from your body.
Munakka and heart health
Studies suggest that low potassium levels in the body may be one of the primary causes of poor heart health.
Munakka is a good source of potassium, with about 16% of the daily value in each 100 grams serving.
According to research, getting enough potassium in your diet can help people with hypertension lower their blood pressure. In addition, adequate potassium intake is linked to a 24% lower risk of stroke and helps to regulate the amount of fluid in your body.
Furthermore, Munakka is fat-free, which may be beneficial to heart patients.
Munakka and acidity
Acidity is one of the common problems among people. It can cause severe pain and discomfort in the chest, throat, and stomach.
The good news is that munakka’s magnesium and potassium combination can help prevent acidity.
Soaking 8-10 munakka at night and eating them in the morning can help alleviate acidity, indigestion, giggle, and vomiting.
Munakka and cancer
Munakka is considered a rich source of phenolic compounds such as catechins, resveratrol, and flavonoids.
According to studies, flavonoids found in munakka, such as Kaempferol, can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, particularly cancer.
Kaempferol has anti-inflammatory properties that work by binding to a protein known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is involved in the production of inflammation. When COX-2 binds to kaempferol, it is unable to perform its function. As a result, inflammation is prevented in the body, resulting in the prevention of a variety of inflammatory diseases.
Munakka and anemia
Being high in fiber and potassium, munakka is also a good source of iron containing about 10% of the daily value in 100 grams.
Due to high iron content, eating munakka on a daily basis helps prevent anemia. It may also be beneficial to women during their period because it can help cover the blood loss that occurs during this time.
Furthermore, iron is required in the body for the production of haemoglobin and myoglobin, which transport oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Munakka for skin and hair
Munakka improves not only your inner health but also your physical appearance.
It contains high levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which is a favorite among dermatologists. The vitamin C content of Munakka help reduce wrinkles, acne, and other signs of aging.
Eating munakka regularly can help protect you from the damage caused by UV radiation from the sun.
Also read: 6 Benefits of raisins for skin you didn’t know
Munakka is rich in many polyphenols, which according to Studies, help improve your skin’s natural defense against oxidative stress, prevent signs of aging, and repair DNA damage.
Furthermore, this antioxidants property of munakka may also aid in treating dandruff and irritation in the hair.
Also read: 5 Amazing Benefits of Eating Dates(Khajoor) For Hair
Munakka and infertility in male
Munakka contains an amino acid known as L-arginine. It helps to relax the blood vessels and spread more blood around, making it easier to get and keep an erection.
According to studies, arginine is used as a dietary supplement to treat erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure. Additionally, many people use arginine as a muscle-building supplement.
Men should consume 8 to 10 munakka boiled thoroughly with a glass of milk every night before sleeping to bring happiness in married life.
What is the difference between munakka and raisin(Kishmish)?
Even though both raisin and munakka are made by the same process, i.e., drying grapes, you need to be aware of some significant differences between them.
- Munakka is bigger in size as compared to raisin.
- Raisin is made by drying grapes with no seed, whereas munakka is made by drying grapes with seeds. This is why munakka often have one or more seeds in it.
- Raisin is primarily found in yellow or green, whereas munakka is dark brown to black.
- Raisin has a sweet and tangy flavour, whereas munakka has a much gooey and sweeter flavour.
- Munakka is significantly more expensive than raisin.
Side effects of munakka
Till now, you have learned that munakka has numerous benefits and can help you in a variety of ways. However, munakka may not be the best food for some people or in certain situations.
These are some of the side effects of munakka:
- Munakka has a high calorie and sugar content. If consumed in large quantities, it can result in unwanted weight gain.
- Munakka has a low to moderate glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for people with diabetes. However, don’t eat too much or consult your doctor before consuming it.
- Some people become allergic to dry fruits after eating them, which is primarily due to mold and sulfites. So, if this is the case, eat carefully.
How many munakka to eat in a day?
How much munakka one should eat in a day is determined by a variety of factors such as age and health.
However, it is safe for an average adult to consume 10-15 munakka per day. You can eat them with your breakfast in the morning or before sleeping. You can also eat them as a snack in your spare time if you want.
For the best results, it is recommended to eat them by soaking.
Final words
To sum up, including munakka in your diet can significantly improve your health. It is high in nutrients and vitamins that can aid in the formation of strong bones, the improvement of bowel movements, the reduction of acidity, and the prevention of cancer and anemia.
I hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the numerous benefits that munakka can offer. While there’s no need to overdo it, it’s a nutritious addition to your daily meals and snacks.
Frequently asked questions(FAQs)
Munakka is a much better and healthier alternative to kishmish in terms of nutrition and benefits.
Munakka is high in protein, fiber, and potassium, which have been shown in studies to aid weight loss by making you feel full and reducing your hunger between meals.
Yes, munakka can be used to control a dry cough because it soothes and reduces throat dryness.
Yes, munakka can be consumed on a daily basis. However, make sure that you don’t eat too much. Regularly eating small amounts of munakka is more beneficial than eating a large amount in one sitting.
To get ease from your constipation, boil 5 to 10 munakka without seeds in milk. After that, drink the milk to get rid of your constipation. You can eat munakka if you want; it will not harm you.
Yes, munakka seeds can be eaten; they are high in Proanthocyanidins, which help prevent cancer and slow down aging. However, many nutritionists advise against eating the munakka seed because it can cause choking.
