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With the arrival of autumn, we are likely to see vibrant, green-hued water chestnuts on the market. Commonly known as singhara, this aquatic fruit has a distinctive dark brown spiky outer layer with white, starchy, and crunchy flesh inside. They usually grow in freshwater, like ponds and lakes, and are native to India.
It’s the crunchy texture and refreshing mild flavour of water chestnut that sets it apart from other fruits. The best thing about them is that even after cooking, singhara does not lose its crunchiness. Besides enjoying it on its own, you can consume water chestnuts stir-fried, curry, cake, soup, salad, halwa, and pulao. Along with being tasty, this water fruit is also packed with several health benefits.
Here are the five benefits of consuming water chestnuts:
Provides Antioxidants
Water chestnuts are loaded with nutrients, including fibre and protein. According to Healthline, this fruit also contains a good number of antioxidants, such as ferulic acid and catechin gallate, that protect the body against harmful molecules called free radicals. These components of water chestnuts help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem all over the world. According to Healthline, water chestnuts are an excellent source of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure. This nutrient is also beneficial for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol), which leads to several heart diseases like strokes.
Good For Digestion
As singhara is dense in fibre, adding it to your daily diet can keep your stomach healthy and happy. It improves digestion and contributes to regular bowel movements. The fibre present in this fruit acts as a probiotic that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. Eat boiled chestnuts for the best results.
Boosts Immunity
According to Netmeds, water chestnuts help boost immunity. The ideal content of vitamin C and antioxidants increases your body’s ability to fight against seasonal infections and illnesses. The nutrients present in this fruit are also good for cleansing the liver and promoting the proper functioning of this organ.
Promotes Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight, then add water chestnuts to your diet for sure. Packed with various essential nutrients, this fruit is very low in calories. According to WebMD, water chestnut is a high-volume food that can effectively curb your hunger without adding a lot of calories to your diet. They also contain approximately 74% water, which helps you stay full for a long time.
