This story is from May 17, 2020

‘Makhana’ can help fight Covid-19: Icar-Ciphet scientists

‘Makhana’ can help fight Covid-19: Icar-Ciphet scientists
Ludhiana: A study done by two senior scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Icar) claims that ‘makhana’ (gorgon nut) can help fight Covid-19, as it is a proven immunity booster.
Both the scientists — Dr SN Jha, assistant director-general at the Icar headquarters in New Delhi; and Dr RK Vishwakarma, principal scientist at Icar-Ciphet (Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology) in Ludhiana have done extensive research on makhana.
A few years ago, they had also invented instant Makhana Kheer Mix, which is now being commercially produced by several companies.
Speaking to TOI, Jha said, “We believe makhana can help boost the immune system immensely, and rapidly fight Covid-19 and other chronic diseases. The properties of makhana make it useful not only for making tonics, but may also aid in curing chronic diseases, including cancers and diabetes. Studies show the biological value of makhana protein is about 95, and is comparable with that of fish.”
Vishwakarma added, “It also has cardio protective properties that can reduce myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury through at least two diverse mechanisms. It may directly scavenge the ROS (reactive oxygen species) generated during the reperfusion of ischemic myocardium. Makhana may also function by modulating the redox state of the heart through the up-regulation of thioredoxin and thioredoxin related protein-32.”
They said popped makhana was a good source of minerals, containing appreciable amount of trace elements, and protects the body against infections (common cold, cold sores, and influenza). Absence of phytates and less quantity of flavonoids in the popped makhana further increase the absorption of these minerals in the digestive system. The popped makhana contains 11.03% easily body absorbable protein with a unique assemblage of all 9 essential amino acids, which act as medicinal ingredients for anti-aging properties in the human cell.

It also contains an appreciable amount of immune-modulator amino acid. It plays many important roles in immunity, gastric secretion, sexual functions, blood cell manufacture, and protects tissues against damage caused by radiation and heavy metals. The arginine and methionine are essential for beautiful skin, nails and hair. Arginine — which produces nitric oxide within the cell — increases elasticity of arteries and veins, thereby increasing blood flow.
They added that other amino acids like iso-leucine and proline helped in the growth and development of the body. “These immune-stimulating amino acids and high quality protein may improve immune system rapidly that will help in fighting chronic and recent Covid-19 diseases,” they further said.
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Mohit Behl

Principal Correspondent with Times of India, reports about Income tax, GST, ED, DRI, Customs, CBI, CBIC,CBDT, business, financial crime,banks,politics.

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