Chinese Water Chestnut

Water chestnut is a common product in Asian cuisine. This vegetable has a pleasant taste and texture, as well as many health benefits for the human body.

Despite the name, water chestnut has nothing to do with ordinary chestnut or water walnut. In fact, it is not even a nut, but an aquatic plant species that grows underground in swamps. The bulb of the plant is consumed after heat treatment. It can often be found in Asian stores.

A rich nutritional profile is added to the specific taste. Incorporating water chestnuts into your diet can help improve your overall health and stimulate weight loss.

Nutritional value of Chinese water chestnuts

Pay attention to the nutritional value of water chestnut and you will see why it is good for your health. Each serving provides a good amount of carbohydrates and fiber, manganese, potassium, copper and vitamin B6.

• 97 calories
• 23.9 grams of carbohydrates
• 1.4 grams of protein
• 0.1 grams of fat
• 3 grams of fiber
• 0.3 milligrams of manganese (17% of daily requirement)
• 584 milligrams of potassium (17% of daily requirement)
• 0.3 milligrams of honey
• 0.3 milligrams of vitamin B6
• 0.2 milligrams of vitamin B2
• 4 milligrams of vitamin C.
• 1.2 milligrams of vitamin E.
• 63 milligrams of phosphorus
• 22 milligrams of magnesium

Health benefits of Chinese water chestnuts

Water chestnuts are low in calories but high in nutrients. This makes them a good addition to any healthy diet. They contain very good carbohydrates and fiber, which maintain the feeling of satiety for a long time.

Water chestnuts contain a lot of water - about 74%, which helps keep your body hydrated and reduce the consumption of extra calories.

Water chestnuts are a great source of antioxidants (substances that promote health, help fight free radicals and prevent cell damage). In addition to reducing oxidative stress in the body, antioxidants play an important role in fighting disease. They can help protect against some chronic and heart diseases.

Chinese water chestnuts contain 17% of the daily dose of potassium, which can have a major impact on heart health. Increasing potassium intake is vital for this organ, especially when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

Lower blood pressure and higher potassium intake reduce the risk of heart disease. A study conducted at the Medical University of Nepal shows that potassium is associated with a lower risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

Water chestnuts are a great source of fiber, with 100 grams of the plant supplying 12% of a person's daily fiber needs. The latter pass through the body without dissolving and without being absorbed by the body, which stimulates the health of the digestive system and prevents constipation.

Increased fiber intake has many health benefits. It can help in the treatment of some diseases such as hemorrhoids, intestinal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease.

How to use water chestnuts

There are many methods for cooking Chinese water chestnuts. Some of the most popular include cooking, baking or frying. You can also grate them in various dishes, salads or pastries. Dried they can be ground and used instead of flour. Whichever method you choose, try to put them at the end of cooking so that you can keep them crispy. 

Contraindications to Chinese water chestnuts

Water chestnuts are a healthy and nutritious addition to the diet when used in moderation. But this does not apply to everyone, it is good to keep in mind a few things before adding them to your daily menu.

• Chinese chestnuts are high in carbohydrates, like potatoes and corn, due to their high starch content. This type of vegetable raises blood sugar levels, so be careful with their consumption if for some reason you follow the carbohydrate intake.

This type of chestnuts are not nuts and can be safely consumed by people with allergies to other nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios and others. However, some people may have an allergic reaction after taking it, which may include hives, itching, swelling and redness. If you notice these or other unpleasant side effects, stop using the product immediately and consult a doctor.