What is Singhara (chestnut)?
Singhara or water chestnut is an aquatic plant with the scientific name Trapa natans. It grows very well in marshy or swampy regions and is also known as water chestnut, particularly in Southeast Asia.
The complete body of this plant is not edible, only a part of this plant is for use. The part that we can eat is a nut-like tuber – it grows underwater. These tubers have a crispy texture and slightly sweet flavor. It has many native names, varying from region to region. This plant is usually harvested during the autumn months. Singhara or water chestnut is eaten raw and used in various dishes after drying and grinding. What people love about this fruit is its crunchy texture and nutritional benefits.
Nutritional Value of Singhada
Here is a detailed breakdown of the nutritional value of Singhada
Nutrients Nutritional Value
- Calories 95.6 kcal
- Carbohydrates 21.46 g
- Protein 0.86 g
- Fat 0.37 g
- Dietary Fiber 3 g
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Vitamin C 5.26 mg
- Potassium 584 mg
- Calcium 37.15 mg
- Iron 0.06 mg
Singhara Benefits
Singhara or water chestnuts are a terrific superfood for a well-balanced diet because of their various health benefits. Its nutrient-rich composition includes potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients that support heart health, immunity, digestion, and even relieve stress.
Singhara has another super important item for those who are wheat intolerant. Singhara flour, also known as singara atta, is a gluten-free grain alternative. Singhara’s high calcium and vitamin C concentration helps in weight loss, blood sugar control, and bone development. Here is a complete list of 10 Singhara benefits, presented below:
Singhara gives a strong immunity boost
This white-tricoloured fruit is a superfood to make immunity stronger. Singhara holds vitamin C in good quantity. It is a key component in protecting our health from diseases. Vitamin C protects the body from viruses, infections, and harmful free radicals. Singhara can boost your immune system, reducing your chance of disease and hastening your recuperation.
Helps to relieve hypertension
Singhara, high in potassium, is crucial for controlling blood pressure. Potassium reverses the effects of salt to reduce blood vessel tension. Singhara is beneficial for people with hypertension because it encourages healthy blood circulation and reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other conditions associated with high blood pressure.
Can be your weight loss friend
Singhara or water chestnut is a great food for weight loss because of its high dietary fiber content and low-calorie level. Its high fiber content suppresses appetite, regulates hunger signals, and heightens sensations of fullness. Singhara can boost metabolism and digestion to a great extent. It is an excellent snack for anyone trying to lose weight.
Eases Jaundice Symptoms
Singhara has two sides, and both are beneficial to ease jaundice symptoms. It improves liver function and detoxifies the body. Its inherent diuretic qualities support enhanced bile production, better liver function, and internal detoxification. Studies indicate that singhara, an over-the-counter jaundice treatment, may aid the body’s natural healing process.
Good for heart health
Singhara or water chestnut is heart-healthy since it has lower fat and cholesterol content. Its antioxidants and potassium levels help to keep blood pressure stable and avoid oxidative stress. Regular use of singhara improves heart health overall by lowering the risk of heart disease. At the same time, it maintains heart function and boosts circulation.
Makes your skin shiny
Singhara protects the skin from free radical damage which is the reason behind premature aging. Singhara has a good amount of antioxidants and a high vitamin E content. This can increase the skin’s elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E helps to preserve the skin’s inherent attractiveness with natural hydration and rehydration.
Regulates blood sugar level
Singhara or water chestnut is an excellent option for controlling blood sugar levels. Its high fiber content and low glycemic index help to curb diabetes. Singhara lessens sudden spikes in blood sugar by slowing the rate at which sugars enter into the bloodstream. Singhara is a fantastic food for people with diabetes.
Strengthens bones
Singhara contains good amount of calcium and vitamin C. These two components are necessary for strong bones. Vitamin C encourages the production of collagen which boosts bone density and flexibility. On the other hand, calcium is an essential component needed for good bone health. Singhara is a friendly food to prevent diseases like osteoporosis. Singhara assures stronger bones and reduces the chance of fractures.
Helps to reduce stress and anxiety
Singhara contains magnesium and B vitamins. Both can aid in reducing anxiety and tension. These nutrients help in the creation of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and brain activity. Singhara’s calming properties can improve overall mental health. It helps in managing stress-related symptoms like mental tiredness, sleeplessness, and sluggishness.
Purifies blood cells
The antioxidants in singhara help the body to detoxify by scavenging free radicals. As a result, this improves the body’s filtration and circulation process naturally. This ensures that essential nutrients are dispersed throughout the body. Ultimately, our body will improve overall welfare, more uniformly distributed skin tone, and greater organ function. We suggest you include singhara in your diet daily to keep the blood pure and increase vitality overall.
Singhara Atta And Its Benefits
Singhara atta is a popular gluten-free flour substitute. This atta is prepared from powdered and dried water chestnuts. It is frequently used and consumed by devotees during fasting periods in India, particularly during Navratri or other pujas. You can use this flour to make halwa, puris, and pancakes as well. It’s also tasty, nutritious, and light enough.
How singhara atta is made
Like normal atta preparation, singhara atta making involves some easy process. Singhara or water chestnuts are first peeled and dried in the sun or using another drying technique. Once the chestnuts are dry and sieved, they are ground into a fine powder to make singhara atta. The process is as easy as that.
Benefits of Singhara Atta
Singhara atta is gluten-Free
Singhara atta is a great alternative to normal wheat flour. This atta gives an option to those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac diseases. It does not contain gluten like wheat. Singhara atta can be safely consumed without causing digestive discomfort or any other issues.
Rich in nutrients and other vitamins
We have mentioned earlier that, singhara is packed with many vital nutrients and vitamins. Naturally, singhara atta possesses all the essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins, which support overall health.
Promotes digestive health
Singhara atta is high in dietary fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Fiber encourages regular bowel motions and helps prevent constipation and its consequences. It supports a healthy population of gut bacteria, which progressively enhances digestion. This is particularly useful if you’re fasting, as eating diverse things might occasionally slow down your digestion.
An energy dose
Carbohydrates are Singhara atta’s primary and most practical energy source. Singhara atta lowers fatigue and maintains energy levels during fasting or intense exercise. For those who need steady energy throughout the day, this is the ideal lunch choice.
Avoid stomach ulcers
Singhara can be helpful to avoid stomach ulcers. It holds good amounts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This fruit reduces acidity and soothes the stomach – two things that might cause ulcers. Its high fiber content also lowers the risk of inflammation and irritation.
Side effects of Singhara
Singhara is generally safer to consume when consumed in adequate amount. If singhara is consumed in excess then it may cause some side effects. Some of the side effects of singhara are:
- Stomach ache
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Other Digestive issues
- Weight Gain
Additional Uses of Singhara (water chestnut)
Health Treatments
Singhara is proven to really useful in curing jaundice and urine infections.
Breakfast
Dried form of singhara is used to make breakfast. It can be sued in making panjiri also.
Baking
singhara atta can be used in making cookies, bread, pasta etc.
Singhara Oil
Singhara oil really helps in hair growth. It is rich in essential vitamins , zinc and potassium which is really helpful in overall hair growth.
Precautions to Take while using Singhara
- People who have stomach related issues should consume singhara in moderation.
- people suffering from diabetes and low sugar levels should avoid consuming singhara.
Conclusion
Singhara offers an all-encompassing strategy for both physical and emotional health. Because of its high content of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, singhara supports a healthy digestive system, boosts the immunity, and encourages heart health.
If you are finding a good source to buy singhara atta or other organic foods, visit our website Orgo All-Natural today! We have a range of naturally grown food items like makhana, millets and many more.
References
- Researchgate – Nutritional and Health Benefits of Singhara
- The Pharma Innovation Journal – Water chestnut: Growing conditions, nutritional and phytochemical composition, novel extraction methods and health properties
