Water chestnut contains several nutritional properties that make it an excellent food source. Read on to know the health benefits of eating water chestnut and explore its nutritional value.

Benefits Of Water Chestnut

Water chestnuts are known to posses a remarkable nutritional composition, which makes them an excellent food source that can be a dietary staple. For this reason, they are set apart from all the other nuts. The best part is that they are free of any cholesterol and are almost fat-free. They are also gluten-free. They have a white and crispy flesh and small, rounded corms that can also be eaten raw. Water chestnuts are a popular ingredient in the Chinese cuisine. This article comes up with some amazing health benefits of water chestnuts. Read on to know their nutritional value as well.
 
Nutritional Value Of Water Chestnut
 
Amount of Water Chestnut:100g
 
Nutrient
Amount
Water
48.2 g
Protein
3.4 g
Fat
0.2 g
Carbohydrates
32.1 g
Sugars
3.3 g
Energy
730
Dietary Fiber
14.9 g
Calcium
17.6 mg
Zinc
0.4 mg
Iron
0.7 mg
Sodium
0.8 mg
Potassium
468 mg
 
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Water Chestnuts
 
  • Water chestnuts are just the perfect food for those who want to lead a healthy life. They are almost fatless and are therefore, a healthy food option. Half a cup of water chestnuts contains only 0.1 g fat.
  • Water chestnuts are an excellent source of potassium, which is a very important mineral for human health. Half a cup of water chestnuts contains 350 to 360 mg of potassium.
  • Water chestnuts are known to have cooling properties and as such, they are just perfect to beat the summer heat. They are also known to have numerous curative and supplementary properties.  
  • Drinking water chestnut juice can help alleviate the problem of nausea and bad appetite in kids.
  • Water chestnuts are also known to contain detoxifying properties and are considered to be good for people suffering from jaundice.
  • Water chestnut powder helps to relieve cough. Grind water chestnuts to make a powder. Consume this powder with water twice a day. This dosage will bring quick relief in cough.
  • Water chestnuts are also good in treating conditions like measles. Boiling them in water makes the best drink for the measles patients, which can be given from the third day till the ninth day of the cycle.
 
Selection & Storage Tips
 
  • When selecting water chestnuts, look for the ones that are firm and have unwrinkled skin. Also, check that there are no soft spots. You can buy a few more chestnuts than required, just in case some have spoiled.  
  • Fresh and unpeeled water chestnuts can be kept for two weeks, in a plastic bag, inside a refrigerator.
  • Peel off the skin and cut off the top of water chestnuts, before you start cooking them.
  • Canned water chestnuts can be stored for a year in a cool and dry place. Once the can has been opened, store the chestnuts in a sealed container and use within three days.

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