Lifestyle Desk:- With the onset of winter, water chestnuts start appearing in abundance in the market. This fruit, which is hard and triangular from outside, is white, crisp and slightly sweet from inside. People eat it boiled, raw or by making rotis and dishes made from its flour. Along with taste, water chestnut is also considered special because of its nutrients. Water, carbohydrates, fiber and many mineral elements are found in it, which help in giving energy to the body and becoming a part of a balanced diet.
But is water chestnut really a panacea for problems like heart, high blood pressure and anemia? Let us know what benefits the body can get by eating this fruit and what things should be kept in mind.
How is water chestnut beneficial for heart health?
Some essential minerals including potassium are found in water chestnut. Potassium plays a role in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body and normal muscle functioning. Including potassium-rich foods in a balanced diet can be useful for heart health. Apart from this, water chestnuts have low fat content. Eating it in balanced quantities brings variety to the nutritious diet. However, eating water chestnut alone does not cure heart diseases. To keep the heart healthy, it is important to do regular exercise, balanced diet and follow the doctor's advice.
What helps in controlling BP?
Diet plays an important role in the problem of high blood pressure. The potassium present in water chestnuts can help balance the effects of sodium in the body. For this reason, it can be made a part of a balanced diet. However, eating water chestnuts does not guarantee immediate reduction of BP or cure of high blood pressure. If you already have BP problem, limit salt intake, get your blood pressure checked regularly and do not stop medicines without doctor's advice.
How useful is it in anemia?
Hemoglobin level may decrease due to iron deficiency in the body. In such a situation, problems like fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath may occur. Some amount of iron and other minerals are found in water chestnut, but its iron content should not be considered so high that it can be considered a cure for anemia. If you have anemia, get its cause investigated with the advice of a doctor. Include pulses, green leafy vegetables, gram and other iron-rich foods in your diet. If needed, the doctor can also give iron medicine.
Can also be useful for digestion
Water chestnut contains dietary fiber, which helps in maintaining normal digestion. Consuming enough fiber and water can help avoid constipation. However, its effect also depends on the overall diet and lifestyle of the person.
gives energy to the body
Carbohydrate is found in water chestnut, which is a source of energy for the body. It can be eaten as a snack or as a light snack between meals. During the fast, roti, halwa and other dishes are also made from water chestnut flour. Keep in mind that as the amount of ghee and sugar in dishes made from flour increases, their calories also increase.
Keep these things in mind while eating water chestnuts
1- Before eating water chestnut, wash it thoroughly with clean water.
2- Instead of eating raw, eating boiled is also a good option.
3-Eat it in limited quantity as per your hunger and need.
4-People suffering from diabetes or kidney disease should consult a doctor or dietician as per their dietary needs.