The Ultimate Guide to Singhara: Benefits, Uses, and Precautions

What is Singhara? 

Singhara is also called paniphal in India. Singada in english is commonly known by the name of water chestnut. Its scientific name is Trapa Natans. It is an annual aquatic free-floating plant that grows in shallow water bodies, ponds, or marshes. The fruit of the water chestnut is called the nut. It is rich in copper, iron, iodine, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins such as thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid. It benefits to manage blood pressure, aid digestion and much more. Singhara is also gluten-free, which makes it a valuable fruit for weight loss and for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Know more about this fruit, its nutritional profile, uses, benefits of Singhara fruit and much more.

Water Chestnuts Nutritional Value

Singhara is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and vitamin B complex (pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid), vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Here is the nutritional value of 100 grams of Singhara fruit:

Properties of Singhara (Water Chestnuts)

Here are the properties of water chestnuts that make it a valuable fruit:

• Hypoglycemic properties: Singhara helps lower blood sugar levels.
• Antihypertensive properties: It can help reduce high blood pressure.
• Anticancer properties: Water chestnuts may help in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
• Antioxidant properties: Singhara contains substances that protect cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Water chestnuts can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Antiviral properties: Water chestnuts may help fight against viral infections.
• Hypocholesterolaemia properties: Its regular intake can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Top 15 Singhara (Water Chestnuts) Benefits for Health

Water chestnuts are good for stomach issues and support the liver, kidneys, spleen, and genitourinary system. They have astringent, stomachic, bitter, diuretic, fever-reducing, and antiseptic properties. The plant is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, gonorrhea, and other genital problems. Singhara helps with thyroid issues, diarrhoea, dysentery, swelling, and bronchitis. It acts as a natural antioxidant, prevents wrinkles, protects against UV rays, and combats weakness. Here are other water chestnut benefits:

1. Improves Blood Pressure

Potassium in Singhara may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke associated with heart disease. Studies have showed that people who consume large amounts of potassium are likely to have significantly reduced risk of high blood pressure and stroke.  

2. Supports Weight Loss

Those on a weight loss plan can benefit from the low-calorie content of Singhara. Singhara are a high-capacity food that can curb hunger without adding many calories to diet. 

3. Aids in Digestive Health

Singhara is rich source of fiber, that helps the body to digest food more efficiently. Fiber helps in digestion by helping the food to pass through the large intestine. It softens the stool and expels it smoothly.

4. Helps Lower Cholesterol

Water chestnuts help lower bad cholesterol levels, which can improve heart health. Eating them regularly can contribute to maintaining healthier cholesterol levels.

5. Enhances Skin Health

Singhara is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and ageing. It also helps prevent wrinkles and keeps the skin youthful and radiant.

6. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Singhara has properties that help regulate blood sugar levels. This makes it a good choice for people looking to prevent or manage diabetes.

7. Prevents Stomach Ulcers

Singhara’s anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach. It also soothes the digestive tract and promotes healing.

8. Helps in Preventing Gout

Singhara helps reduce uric acid levels in the blood, which can prevent gout attacks. It supports joint health and reduces inflammation associated with gout.

9. Supports Urinary Health

The diuretic properties of Singhara help flush out toxins from the urinary system. It helps prevent infections and maintains urinary tract health.

10. Fights Anemia

Singhara is a good source of iron, which is essential for producing healthy red blood cells. Consuming Singhara can help prevent anemia and boost overall energy levels.

11. Reduces Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Water chestnuts help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding due to their astringent properties. Consuming them can provide relief and regulate menstrual flow.

12. Helps Treat Gonorrhea

Water chestnuts have antiseptic properties that can aid in treating infections like gonorrhoea. They help in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

13. Supports Thyroid Health

Water chestnuts are beneficial for thyroid health due to their iodine content. They support proper thyroid function and help prevent thyroid-related issues.

14. Aids in Treating Diarrhea

Water chestnuts are effective in treating diarrhoea due to their cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. They help soothe the digestive system and restore normal bowel movements.

15. Soothes Bronchitis Symptoms

Water chestnuts can help relieve bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract. They support lung health and ease breathing.

Uses of Singhara (Water Chestnuts)

Singhara is eaten as such after boiling, and its flour is used for various purposes. It includes:

• Nutritious Breakfast: Dried Singhara fruit/seed powder is often used to make a highly nutritious breakfast.
• Baking and Cooking: Singhara flour is used in cakes, cookies, pasta, pudding, bread, cereals, soups, sauces, and gravies.
• Health Treatments: Singhara flour helps treat polyuria and oedema and can stop bleeding.
• Strength and Muscle Support: It strengthens the body and helps with muscle weakness.
• Women’s Health: Singhara powder may help women at risk of miscarriage.
• Eczema Treatment: Singhara flour mixed with lemon juice can be applied to eczema-affected areas for relief.

How to Use Water Chestnuts (Singhara)

Singhara can be used in the following ways:

• The edible Singhara nuts can be eaten boiled or roasted.
• The young fruit can be eaten raw.
• The flour can be used to make pakodas, paratha, puri, curry, kheer, halwa, chaat, and cheela.

Side Effects of Singhara

Singhara fruit is generally safe when consumed in moderation. If consumed excessively, it can cause a few side effects. Here are some potential Singhara fruit side effects when consumed in excess:

• Stomach ache
• Vomiting  
• Bloating
• Nausea 

Precautions to Take with Singhara

Follow these precautions for the safe use of Singhara: 

• Singhara has been known to reduce blood pressure. Thus, hypotensive people are advised not to take Singhara in any form.
• Singhara has been found to possess hypoglycemic properties. Thus, diabetic persons on medications or individuals with low blood sugar levels should consult a doctor before taking Singhara. 

Cultivation of Singhara

In India, Singhara, or water chestnut, is cultivated mainly in shallow ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as major producers. iI is widely cultivated in Darbhanga, Madhubani and Samasthipur districts. Farmers typically plant the crop in the early summer, and harvesting occurs in the autumn when the nuts mature. 

Conclusion

Singhara, or water chestnut, is nutritious with numerous health benefits, including aiding in cholesterol reduction, diabetes management, skin health, and ulcer prevention. Singhara flour is particularly beneficial for treating specific health conditions such as thyroid, bronchitis, oedema, gonorrhoea, anaemia, diarrhoea and muscle weakness. It is an excellent choice for those looking for home remedies for constipation. It is an excellent choice for those looking for gluten-free options.

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