Water chestnut (singhara) – the fairly neglected fruit
Water chestnut is a fairly neglected fruit. In India, it is popularly called as paani-phal (water-fruit) or singhara. It has a distinct taste in addition to having several health benefits.
Uses of chestnut:
- Gives relief from nausea and indigestion
- Water chestnut powder mixed in water helps prevent cough
- It can beat the heat as it is a coolant for the body
- Useful in soothing the painful urine infections; a cup of sweet water chestnut eases this pain
- During jaundice as it detoxifies
- Also useful for those who routinely detoxify themselves
- Is used in constipation as it is a laxative
How to eat:
- Water chestnut can be eaten raw after peeling, or they could be steamed or even sautéed
- Its powder form is used to make rotis and being a fruit is popular in fasts taken by Hindus
Be careful to eat water chestnuts in moderation, else it could lead to gas in the abdomen and leave you with a bloated feeling.
