Winter brings a variety of nutritious foods and Singharas are of them. Singhara, also known as water chestnuts, are aquatic tuber vegetables. They are available in Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. They are not nuts regardless of what the name indicates. They contain white flesh that is packed with nutrients. Water chestnuts are definitely a good option to have in winters. They are not only beneficial for your body but also for your skin. Let’s discuss its health benefits.
1. It Helps in Alleviating Constipation:
What is better than having something nutritious that’s also low in calories? Water chestnuts contain carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese, vitamin E, B, and fewer calories. Although, Calories come from carbohydrates present in them. Every nutrient plays a specific role in the body and so, every nutrient is essential for our well-being. For instance, the amount of fiber present in them helps in promoting bowel movement and aids in lowering blood cholesterol and maintaining blood sugar levels simultaneously. It has high nutritional value. Interestingly, Half a cup of sliced water chestnuts contains only 60 calories. The key here is to eat in moderation.
2. Reduces the Risk Of Cancer
Free radicals are naturally present in the body as harmful substances are highly reactive and unstable molecules. Free radicals can progress into chronic illnesses however, their effect can be diminished through anti-oxidants. Water chestnuts contain an effective anti-oxidant called Ferulic Acid. According to research, Ferulic acid plays a vital role in scavenging free radicals. It also helps in killing and reducing the growth of cancer-producing cells in the body. So you should take it as a snack daily.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) is a common condition these days. High blood pressure aggravates certain illnesses like heart diseases, stroke, and so on. People suffering from high blood pressure are often prescribed to eat foods high in potassium like bananas. Water chestnuts are a great source of potassium. Research suggested that diet rich in potassium helps reduce the systolic (upper value) and diastolic (lower value) blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Hence, try adding water chestnuts to your diet.
4. Helps in Weight loss
People often opt for extreme diets to lose weight. Interestingly, starvation does not make a person lose weight. What primarily helps in losing weight is a diet rich in nutrients and low in calories. Water chestnuts contain almost 74% water hence, the fiber and water in water chestnuts fill you up way more efficiently than eating processed carbohydrates that are deficient in fiber.
5. Helps in Treating Urine Infection
Water chestnuts act as curing agents in treating urine infections. The enzymes present in water chestnuts can cleanse the urinary bladder and disinfect it to a certain extent. Thus, making it an ideal option for a person suffering from a urinary tract infection.
Disclaimer: Please consult a specialist/healthcare provider as this article merely serves as a guide.
Sources: Medical News Today, Healthline
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