If you are embarking on a weight loss journey, being conscious about your diet is of paramount importance. Water chestnut, locally called ‘singhara’ in India, is one of the best foods you can add to your weight loss diet. Read on to know about the singhara benefits for your weight loss regime.
About Water Chestnuts
Water chestnuts are not nuts, rather they are aquatic vegetables that are native to Asian countries like India, the Southern part of China, Taiwan, and islands in the Indian Ocean.
Water chestnuts have tough skin and grow in marshy areas like ponds or lakes. The vegetable itself has a very nutty flavour with hints of sweetness. The benefits of water chestnuts for weight loss is not a very well-known fact. Singhara benefits you immensely as it is packed with nutrients. Including this local superfood in your diet can do wonders for your weight loss journey.
Water Chestnut Nutritional Facts
If you are wondering how you can include singhara for weight loss regime and how it will benefit you, then taking a look at their incredible nutritional information can convince you!
A 100 gram portion of water chestnuts approximately includes:
- Water – 74% of the composition
- Fats – 0.1 grams
- Protein – 2 grams
- Carbohydrates – 23.9 grams
- Calories – 97
- Dietary Fibres – 3 grams
- Potassium – 468 milligrams
- Manganese – 468 milligrams
- Vitamin B6 – 16% of RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)
- Riboflavin – 12% of RDI
6 Singhara Benefits for Your Weight Loss Regime
Keeping a track of what food to eat during your weight loss can be exhausting. Adding variety to your diet can help you stay motivated towards your weight loss journey. Here are 6 benefits of water chestnut for your diet:
1. Very Low in Calories
Counting calories to stick to your weight loss regime? Singhara is good for weight loss because it contains a very low amount of calories. You can easily snack on water chestnuts and not worry too much about high-calorie consumption.
2. High in Antioxidants
One of the greatest singhara benefits is that they are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress in our bodies and keep us vitalised. They may also reduce the risk of cancer. Antioxidants help your body stay vitalised and keep the metabolism functioning at an optimal level. Good metabolism can immensely benefit your weight loss journey.
3. Presence of Dietary Fibres
Water chestnuts contain a high amount of dietary fibre. Consuming water chestnuts can account for approximately 12% and 8% of the dietary fibre requirements for men and women throughout the day, respectively.
Dietary fibre aids your weight loss journey by keeping your digestive system functioning optimally. Good digestion is the key to weight loss, as it can prevent bloating and weight gain.
4. Quite Filling (74% water)
Consuming singhara for weight loss, as a snack can be a great option as it helps you stay full for a longer time. They contain around 74% of water, which makes your tummy feel fuller. As you snack on this low-calorie vegetable, you can say goodbye to those hunger pangs you have to deal with throughout the day.
5. Good for Cardiovascular Health
The nutrients in water chestnuts are great for your cardiovascular health. Potassium content in singhara helps in regulating blood pressure and protects the heart. Vitamin B6 helps regulate the levels of amino acid homocysteine, thereby reducing the chances of heart diseases.
A healthy heart is good for your weight loss journey, as it keeps your circulation functioning at an optimal level and promotes a healthy metabolism.
6. Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Your weight loss diet should include food that is not just less in calories but high in nutritional value as well. The main benefit of water chestnuts is that these criteria are fulfilled. They have a high content of vitamins and minerals like potassium, Vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, and riboflavin. They account for a part of your body’s nutritional needs throughout the day.
Ways to Add Water Chestnuts in Your Diet Plan
Here are some ways that you can include water chestnuts in your weight loss diet:
- You can have water chestnuts raw as a healthy snack
- You can add water chestnuts to your food by slicing them and adding them as a garnish. They can also be added to your salads
- You can boil water chestnuts and consume them
- Sometimes water chestnuts are dried and milled into flour, which is used to make flatbreads. They can be a great flour alternative for your weight loss diet
Bottom Line
The benefit of water chestnuts is something that is relatively unknown among people looking for weight loss food alternatives. Stay motivated towards your weight loss goals with the help of a healthy diet and regular exercise. This nutrient-rich superfood also keeps you hydrated along with providing you with loads of nutrients.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aarti Nehra
