Winters are here and the human body needs extra care during this season. Given the coronavirus situation, winter might be a challenge to protect themselves from several viral diseases.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy body, fruits are something that should be included in everyone’s diet. Some fruits are packed with minerals and nutrients that help to maintain the overall health of our body. One such fruit is water chestnut.
Going by their name, you may think they belong to the family of chestnuts. Wrong! Chestnuts grow on trees, while water chestnuts grow underwater. Popularly known as Singhara, Water Chestnuts are storehouses of minerals, vitamins, starch, fiber, and phenolic compounds. Their starch and fiber content makes them a good addition to your regular diet.
Since they have a high nutritive value, water chestnut is linked to several health benefits. It is an essential component of Ayurveda. It is known for its diuretic, antiseptic, and digestive properties.
Benefits of eating Singhara or Water Chestnut during Winters:
Help to keep infections away:
The presence of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, powers them to become an anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-fungal food.
Promotes weight loss:
Singharas are super nutritious and low in calories. They can be included in a weight loss diet as well. Regular intake of singhara can provide you with fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, manganese, and copper.
Help to fight sleeplessness:
They are a rich source of Vitamin B-6 which is known to be a mood lifter and produces neurotransmitters that are effective for stabilizing mood and reducing stress. All of this helps to fight sleeplessness and rejuvenates you.
Lower blood pressure (Hypertension):
Water chestnuts are high in minerals. Compared to wheat flour, water chestnut flour has higher potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper content. This flour also retains its antioxidant properties, unlike wheat flour. Including it in your diet can help in regulating blood pressure.
Can lower the risk of cancer:
Singhara is high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in your body. A study published in the Journal of Food Science also suggests that the antioxidants present in singharas can minimize the effects of free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.
