Water chestnut, also known as water caltrop, is an aquatic plant from the genus Trapa. Its peculiar fruit encloses a large edible seed that offers a delightful crispiness and a subtly sweet coconut-like flavor. In India, water chestnuts are called Singhara or Paniphal and have been cultivated for over 3,000 years for their seeds, which are prized in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. They’re also popular in Chinese medicine.
Despite their odd appearance, water chestnuts are packed with health benefits. If you haven’t tried them yet, here are a few reasons why you should:
Health Benefits of Water Chestnuts:
- Cooling Effect: Water chestnuts help cool the body, making them great for hot weather. They also relieve thirst, control nausea, and ease diarrhea.
- Thyroid Support: With essential minerals like iodine and manganese, water chestnuts support the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Rich in Antioxidants: They contain polyphenols and flavonoids that provide anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, strengthening the stomach and spleen.
- Cough Relief: Ground water chestnuts can be consumed with water or juice to help relieve cough.
- Cancer Prevention: An anti-cancer substance in water chestnuts inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
- Improved Appetite: Both raw and juiced water chestnuts help boost appetite in children and adults, promoting healthy weight gain.
- High in Potassium: One cup of water chestnuts provides over 362 mg of potassium, which aids muscle and nerve function, water retention, and blood pressure regulation.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Water chestnuts contain natural antioxidants that fight aging, prevent wrinkles, and offer protection against UV rays.
- Diabetes-Friendly: Despite being a starchy food, polyphenols in water chestnuts help prevent spikes in blood sugar by inhibiting the breakdown of carbs.
- Heart Health: Their combination of potassium, fiber, and antioxidant properties helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Better Sleep: Vitamin B6 in water chestnuts promotes sound sleep and improved mood.
- Fertility Boost: Water chestnuts are beneficial for women, supporting fertility and improving chances of conception.
- Healthy Pregnancy: Being an excellent energy source, as well as its specific properties to prevent miscarriage and control hemorrhage, makes it a super food during pregnancy it is helpful for the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
Post pregnancy – it helps in controlling bleeding as well as promotes lactation.
10 Delicious Ways to Include Water Chestnuts in Your Diet:
- Eat Raw: The simplest and healthiest way to enjoy water chestnuts is to peel and eat them raw for a crunchy, refreshing snack.
- Add to Salads or Stir-Fries: Chop peeled water chestnuts and toss them into salads for extra crunch, or sauté them in stir-fries for a flavorful boost.
- In Curries or Veggies: Replace potatoes with water chestnuts in curries or veggie dishes. For best results, boil or pressure-cook them first and then sauté with curry leaves, cumin, and mustard seeds.
- Make Cutlets: Mash boiled water chestnuts and mix them with other veggies to create delicious cutlets. Shallow fry and serve as a snack or side dish.
- Singhara Halwa: Singhara flour, made from dried water chestnuts, can be used to prepare halwa. Simply roast the flour in ghee, add sugar and water, and top with your favorite dry fruits.
- Chillas or Pancakes: Singhara flour also makes fantastic pancakes or chillas. Mix with curd and water to form a batter, add your favorite spices, and cook on a griddle.
- Flatbreads or Chapattis: Use Singhara flour to make chapattis or parathas for a gluten-free alternative. Pair them with your favorite curry or chutney.
- Baked Goods: Add Singhara flour to your cake or cookie batter for a nutritious twist on your baked treats.
- Puris, Crackers, or Chips: Make savory puris or crunchy crackers using Singhara flour by following any basic cracker recipe. You can even bake chips for a healthy snack.
- Dips or Chutney: Add a handful of chopped water chestnuts to dips or green chutneys for extra texture and flavor.
Water chestnuts are versatile and nutritious, making them a perfect addition to your diet this season. Whether you’re snacking on them raw or using them in various dishes, these little wonders are sure to boost your health and add a delicious crunch to your meals!
We hope this article inspires you to try water chestnuts in new and exciting ways! Let us know how you like to incorporate them into your meals in the comments below. For more healthy eating tips and recipes, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.
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