I have complied ten benefits of water chestnut to motivate you to eat this humble fruit more. Especially on cold days, along with green vegetables, water chestnut also enhances the flavor of the market. Water chestnut is so beneficial not only for taste but also for health, that you would not have even imagined it. What is Water Chestnuts || Amazing Benefits of Water Chestnuts? However, they are generally low in calories, because raw water chestnuts are 74% water. The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article. Nutrition and Benefits Fresh water chestnuts have about twice the amount of nutrients compared to the canned variety. Researchers say resistant starches can help with weight loss, and perhaps even reduce risks associated with diabetes and colon cancer. They can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, or roasted but have to be peeled. Water chestnuts can be purchased fresh or canned from Asian food stores. Despite being called chestnuts, water chestnuts are not nuts at all. What Are Water Chestnuts? Now a new…, COVID-19 shows a wide range of manifestations among those affected. All rights reserved. Singhara are also low in calories and they contain hardly any fats. They keep well in the fridge for 2 weeks, in a container and cover… Choose that are fresh and very hard. In Indonesia, they are blended and made into a delicious, healthy drink. A great gift from nature. Here are five science-backed benefits of water chestnuts, plus ideas for how to eat them. An analysis of 33 studies found that when people with high blood pressure consumed more potassium, their systolic blood pressure (upper value) and diastolic blood pressure (lower value) reduced by 3.49 mmHg and 1.96 mmHg, respectively (10). It is a bitter, astringent, diuretic, and antiseptic plant. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They contain no cholesterol, only a trace of fat, and have a fraction of the calories of other nuts, such as cashew nuts and peanuts. last updated - July 03, 2020 Try them fresh or cooked into stir-fries, salads, omelets and more. Diets rich in potassium have been positively linked to lower risk of heart ailments and strokes. Water chestnuts are aquatic vegetables that are nutritious and delicious. As antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, they may compromise cancer cell growth (19, 20). We explain how this imbalance affects your body and ways to prevent it. Water chestnuts are a rich source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids such as catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate. The amazing health benefits of water chestnuts include their ability to aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure, increase red blood cell production, prevent heart diseases, and increase immunity. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of raw water chestnuts provides (2): Water chestnuts are a great source of fiber and provide 12% of the daily fiber recommendation for women and 8% for men. Our articles are evidence-based and contain scientific references, fact-checked by experts. The chestnut fruit and peel contain an antibiotic compound called puchin which acts like penicillin. Water Chestnut Health Benefits It grows in slow-moving water that is up to five meters deep and is native to warm temperate parts of Eurasia and Africa. However, water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) should not be confused with water caltrops (Trapa natans), which are also often called water chestnuts. The excess can be blotted out gently using a tissue. They are a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, copper, manganese, and potassium. Water chestnuts are a great source of potassium. Other test-tube studies have found that ferulic acid helped suppress the growth of skin, thyroid, lung and bone cancer cells (15, 16, 17, 18). 5 raw water chestnuts have 5% of daily recommended of your potassium intake. It grows […] Take a look at our list and see which ones you'd like to add…, Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce high blood pressure and even lower your risk for hypertension in the future. Read more! Water chestnuts are nutritious yet low in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Unfortunately, oxidative stress has been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many types of cancers. It is rich in nutrients like vitamin B and E and contains minerals like zinc and potassium. Water chestnuts are aquatic vegetables that are nutritious and delicious. According to a study, the peels can be used as a food supplement to kill foodborne bacteria. A study carried out by the…. They have a crisp, white flesh that can be enjoyed raw or cooked and are a common addition to Asian dishes such as stir-fries, chop suey, curries and salads. Also grown in America, there are many health benefits to water chestnuts: heart, bone, digestive health. In a test-tube study, scientists found that treating breast cancer cells with ferulic acid helped suppress their growth and promote their death (14). To know more about the health benefits of water chestnuts, scroll down! Water chestnuts contain very high levels of the antioxidant ferulic acid. However, water caltrops are not sweet; they taste like potatoes and are shaped like bats. Water chestnut, which is rich in polyphenolic and flavonoid antioxidants, has antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and antioxidant properties. To increase transparency to the user, we provide reference links marked by numbers in parentheses in the copy of the article. For example, water chestnuts are often peeled and either diced, sliced or grated into dishes such as stir-fries, omelets, chop suey, curries and salads, among others (1). However, not all are aware that water chestnut is also rich in potassium, Vitamin B6 and an array of vitamins and minerals which provide for a lot of health benefits. Chestnuts are also loaded with nutritious health benefits. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Interestingly, the flesh continues to stay crisp even after boiling or frying. Water chestnut flour has been used as a thickener and also used in Asian recipes to make batters for deep-frying. Water caltrops are shaped like bats or buffalo heads and taste similar to yams or potatoes. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Water chestnuts are ready for harvesting when the bulb turns into a dark brown color. Water chestnut benefits for hair. This is likely because they are a great source of potassium. Being a strong antioxidant, it … While some show severe symptoms, many remain asymptomatic. Water chestnut is a floating aquatic plant, popularly known as Singhara or paniphal in India. Benefits of Water Chestnut for Hair: Everyone wishes to have a healthy, lustrous, and damage free hair. Vitamin-C is required for matrix formation in teeth, bones and blood vessels. 6 Specifically, the fiber in water chestnuts makes it useful for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Increased energy levels – chestnuts contain high amounts of carbohydrates, which are needed for short and long term energy. Health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to control hypertension & reduce high blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, & improve liver health. Most of their calories come from carbs. People suffering from hypertension and congestive heart disease can get significant relief from their symptoms by consuming a high potassium diet. Minced water chestnut is used to make puddings and cakes. Just like the other parts of your body, proper and adequate nutrition is required for the healthy growth of your hair. It helps to strengthen the stomach and spleen and helps reduce symptoms such as insomnia, feeling sick, fatigue and cancer. Eat More Bananas, 13 Foods That Are Good for High Blood Pressure, 17 Effective Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure, 13 Foods That Could Lower Your Risk of Cancer, A Guide to the Confusing World of Face Acids and Which Ones to Use. The antioxidants help scavenge free radicals in the body, preventing oxidative stress and inhibiting the progression of chronic diseases. In its growing places, Chinese waterchestnuts can be available at their best from the onset of summer season to fall. These crisp, crunchy vegetables are low in calories and are best had in soups and stir-fries. Increased brain function – chestnuts contain fat-soluble B vitamins that promote healthy skin, produce red blood cells and improve brain function. This vegetable is enjoyed raw or cooked and is one of the commonly used vegetables in many Asian dishes such as salads, chop suey, stir-fries, and curries. Avoid bruised or ones that have soft spots. Some of the reported health benefits are: It is a cooling food, ideal to counter summer heat. Additionally, most of the calories in water chestnuts come from carbs. Potassium acts as a vasodilator and helps dilate blood vessels, ensuring a smooth blood circulation in the body. List of various diseases cured by Water Chestnut. The powerful health benefits of dates include providing an energy boost, increasing iron in the body, and aiding digestion.Â. These benefits of chestnut are because of the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of … They are a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in nutrients but low in calories Antioxidants are molecules that help protect the body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Water chestnuts help fight gastric as well as breast cancer by helping inhibit the multiplication of cancerous cells and stop the spread of cancerous growth in the body. Chestnuts benefits includes promoting stronger bones, maintaining blood flow rate, providing cognitive therapy, easing intestinal discomforts, helping cleans the body of free radicals and toxins, preventing illness, aiding diabetes, and fostering pregnancy. Water Chestnut is a high source of antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress. Water chestnuts are an excellent source of nutrients and antioxidants, making them a good addition to a healthful diet. Water chestnuts contain a good amount of antioxidants. Hence, we have listed the information of health benefits of water chestnut flour below. Water chestnuts help decrease the incidence of heart diseases in two ways. This juice also helps in soothing acidity. Diet and weight loss benefits. It is effective in the treatment of different urinary infections. Water chestnut also known as Singhara. Water chestnuts are full of nutrients. Try adding water chestnuts to your diet today to reap their health benefits. They also contain high levels of folate which is beneficial for pregnant women. For this, you will have to look out for green stems. Water chestnut is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, B complex vitamins, potassium and zinc that ensure your … Moreover, water chestnut flour provides the good nutrients and offer the best health benefits. Learn how to add water chestnuts to a healthy diet here. Water chestnuts are rich in carbohydrates, starch, and dietary fiber. They are a great source of antioxidants and other compounds that may help prevent diseases linked with age, such as heart disease and cancer. She completed her MS in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, US. They are native to Asia (India, China, Japan, Indonesia), Australia, Africa, and certain islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Water chestnuts do not contain cholesterol and fat and are rich in dietary fiber. But the precise reasons behind this are less known. Foods that are rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help lower blood pressure. by Raksha Hegde Here are 42 healthy foods that are very low in calories. Despite being low in calories, high-volume foods can effectively curb hunger (12, 13). There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. They are a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.