Have joint pains, low BP, cholesterol, mood disorder? Include singhara in your diet

Have joint pains, low BP, cholesterol, mood disorder? Include singhara in your diet

The health benefits of singhara or water chestnut are endless. This winter fruit improves a person’s mood, relieves joint pain and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Singhara helps to improve the mood, enhances sleep, lowers BP and cholesterol levels. (Photo courtesy: Pixabay)

Highlights

Singhara or water chestnut contains vitamins and minerals to improve a person’s mood

This winter fruit lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels

It helps in treating UTIs as well

By Daphne Clarance: It’s that time of the year when singhara or water chestnut becomes the fruit of the season. Winter has many nutritious fruits and vegetables, but singhara should definitely be added to your diet due to its endless list of health benefits.

This heart-shaped white fruit covered in a thick dark green layer has zero fat and contains 4 grams of fibre, 23.9 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. Water chestnuts also contain potassium, manganese, vitamin B6, riboflavin and copper.

One of the many health benefits of singhara that you need to know about is its ability to improve your mood. Experts have shared that cold months often trigger neurotransmitters in the brain that lower the mood of a person along with feelings of depression.

However, singhara or water chestnut can be a great mood-lifter. According to Mehvish Khan, Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, this wonder fruit releases neurotransmitters useful for mood and sleep.

“Vitamin B6 is abundant in singhara and is proven to relieve stress and improve mood,” says Mehvish Khan.

Adding how singhara also boosts the immune system that is useful in fighting flu, cold and cough, Mehvish says, “Your winter to-do list is incomplete without seasonal nutrition. With the help of this miracle fruit, you can maintain a healthy immune system and prevent joint pain, hair loss, and dry skin problems as well.”

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Blood pressure, especially in elderly people, tends to rise during the winter. Singhara is rich in vitamin K which checks the effect of sodium present in the human body and helps bring down blood pressure to normal. As a heart-friendly fruit, it also helps lower bad cholesterol levels.

PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS

Only 97 calories and very little fat are present in 100 grams of singhara, this fruit is a great source of fibre, potassium, manganese, and many other healthy minerals for your body.

“You will feel satisfied for a longer amount of time because of the high fibre content, which takes time to digest. The low-calorie content of this fruit makes it a popular choice for people with diabetes,” says Mehvish.

CURE FOR UTI

Our body tends to dehydrate during the cold months quite swiftly, increasing the risk of infection in the urinary tract. Vitamin K present in singhara helps with water retention. It aids in treating UTIs because of its numerous enzymes and cleaning qualities. It helps in cleansing the bladder as well.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are incredibly potent and essential for fighting free radicals and boosting the body’s immunity system. Singhara supports the removal of toxins from the body, fights oxidative stress produced by free radicals, and protects the body from various viruses and bacterial illnesses.

Mehvish shares ways in which this winter fruit can be consumed. “You can have it raw, fried, or boiled, and you can also prepare aatta from dried singharas. This winter vegetable is adaptable and can be eaten for dessert. Remember, a healthy diet with moderate exercise goes a long way toward good health,” she says.

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