Water chestnuts are widely used in Chinese, European, and Indian cuisines. They are fruits of aquatic plants that grow in shallow waters. Recent research states that water chestnuts are loaded with minerals and antioxidants. But how do they improve your health? And what benefits do they offer? Are chestnuts good for you? Get the answers to these queries from the article below. Keep reading to know more!
What Are Water Chestnuts? What Are Their Varieties?
Water chestnuts are not nuts. They are aquatic/underwater vegetables (or corms) that grow in China, India, and parts of Europe. Two species are grown under the name of water chestnuts – Trapa natans (a.k.a water caltrops or Jesuit nut) and Eleocharis dulcis (1), (2). Who Can Consume It? It is safe for most people to consume, except for people with diabetes. How Often? You can consume it daily but in moderation. Caution Excessive consumption may lead to stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Trapa natans (water caltrop or ‘ling’) is grown in Southern Europe and Asia. Eleocharis dulcisis grown extensively in China. Therefore, Trapa natans is called the European water chestnut, while the latter is known as the Chinese water chestnut (1), (2) The European chestnut has three to four spiky, angled, orthogonal, large fruits. The edible part is the nut-like inner core. The Chinese water chestnut, on the other hand, looks more like a turnip-shaped tuber – round and softer. Both these species are invasive and aggressive weeds. They grow quickly and form dense mats on ponds, lakes, and shallow-deep water bodies (2). However, locals enjoy eating these aquatic vegetables. Peeled water chestnuts are roasted, boiled, steamed, ground, and cooked in various ways. You can see it being widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in authentic Chinese food. Keep reading!
Why Are Water Chestnuts Popular?
Water chestnuts are storehouses of minerals, vitamins, starch, fiber, and phenolic compounds. Their starch and fiber content makes them a good addition to your regular diet. Jordan Anthony, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “Water chestnuts are highly nutritious, while also being low in calories. They have abundant essential vitamins and minerals, along with plenty of fiber. This makes them a good way to get your essential nutrition without consuming as many calories, helping with weight loss. They’re also a great source of antioxidants.” Since they have a high nutritive value, water chestnut is linked to several health benefits. It is an essential component of Ayurveda. It is known for its diuretici Any substance or medication that encourages diuresis (excessive urine production) to flush out salt and water. , antiseptic, and digestive properties. Water chestnut preparations can help treat dysenteryi An infection that spreads through contaminated food or water and causes intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. , diarrhea, hemorrhagei Acute bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel that can happen outside or inside the body and can be minor or fatal. , fractures, and inflammatory disorders (3). To know more about water chestnut benefits, scroll down!
What Are The Benefits Of Water Chestnuts?
Water chestnuts are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds aid in correcting digestive issues, anemia, and fatigue. They can also help reduce fever, pain, and inflammation.
1. Relieve Pain And Inflammation
According to clinical trials, water chestnut extracts inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds like interleukins and nitric oxide. The active chemicals in this fruit downregulate the genes responsible for producing these compounds (4). The phenolic antioxidants in water chestnuts scavenge free radicals in your system and prevent them from inducing organ damage, inflammation, and pain. Hence, water chestnut has a potent pain-relieving (analgesic) effect on your body (4). With these properties, this aquatic vegetable can be used to treat skin irritation, stomach ulcers, fever, and age-related brain disorders (3), (4).
2. May Help In Managing Diabetes
Root vegetables like water chestnuts store water and nutrients and supply them to the plant. Hence, they are rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and starches. Making water chestnuts a part of your diet may help manage diabetes (5), (6). Though this vegetable has fair amounts of starch, its fiber and antioxidant content have the upper hand (5), (6).
3. Possess Antioxidant And Anticancer Effects
Potent antioxidant effects have been identified in various parts of water chestnut. Multiple experimental studies showed that the fruit and peel extracts of water chestnuts scavenged free radicals in subjects (7). Hence, water chestnut can prevent/slow down lipid peroxidationi A metabolic process in the body that generates a chain reaction of reactive oxygen species degrading body fats. , tumor proliferation (growth and metastasis), and DNA damage induced by free radicals. Flavonoids like luteolin, fisetin, and diosmetin are responsible for this property (7), (8). According to lab trials, Chinese and European water chestnuts may exert anticancer activity against human breast, lung, and colon cells (8).
4. May Lower Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Water chestnuts are high in minerals. Compared to wheat flour, water chestnut flour has higher potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper content. This flour also retains its antioxidant properties, unlike wheat flour. Including it in your diet can help in regulating blood pressure (9). Along with water chestnuts, adding dark green leafy and cruciferous vegetables also enhances heart health. Such high-potassium foods are known to relax your heart muscles and prevent stroke (10). Moreover, these vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates. They may help people with hypertension to lose weight (10).
5. Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity
Water chestnut extracts can eliminate bacterial strains like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. Shigella sonnei and Bacillus cereus were also found to be susceptible in another study. Water chestnut extracts inhibited the growth of helminths (worms and insects) as well (11), (12), (13). These studies prove the antibacterial nature of green and red water chestnuts. Since they can kill several pathogenic strains, their extracts can be used to treat bacterial infections (11), (12). Moreover, this antibacterial activity is comparable to the effect of standard antibiotics (like kanamycin). Therefore, adding water chestnut to your food may increase its shelf life (11). This plant may also purify water bodies with this antimicrobial effect. Such health and ecological benefits are attributed to the mineral, vitamin, and phytochemical content of water chestnuts. Find out more about their nutritional value in the following section.
Nutritional Profile Of Water Chestnuts
The water chestnut plant contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Due to this, they can be a rich source of energy and hydration, especially on a hot summer day. The fruit kernels contain vitamins A, B, and C, and functional proteins. The water chestnut fruits contain carbohydrates, minerals, and fair amounts of phenolic compounds. The flavonoids, flavones, saponins, phytosterols, oils, and tannins in them contribute to their antioxidant properties. It is these polyphenols that scavenge free radicals from your system (14). Consuming water chestnuts means supplying your body with all these phytonutritional components, which can improve your overall immunity among other health benefits. How can you do it? Can you eat raw water chestnuts, or should they be processed? Keep reading for answers!
How To Use/Consume Water Chestnuts
Freshwater chestnuts can be eaten raw after peeling and washing them well. They are crispy and taste mildly sweet, similar to lotus root. However, always ensure to wash them properly before eating. Catherine Gervacio, a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, says, “Eating them raw or if not washed well can expose a person to bacteria or parasites. Best to make sure they are clean or cook them to make sure.” No matter how long you cook or steam them, these corns have a magical power to remain crunchy. Therefore, you often see them added to soups, ramen, stew/stocks, and any broth-like preparation for a fresh and crunchy twist. Don’t you want to taste water chestnuts? Let’s stir up something quick with them! Here’s a simple recipe you can try in your kitchen right away!
Water Chestnut And Veggies Stir Fry
What You Need
Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons (enough for a stir fry) Water chestnuts: 1 ounce (canned or fresh), sliced Broccoli florets: 5-6, washed and cleaned Snow peas: 1 pound, fresh, trimmed Baby corn kernels: 6-8, fresh, sliced into halves Bell peppers: 1-2 medium-sized, sliced long Fresh mint: 1 tablespoon, chopped Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons Salt: to taste Pepper: to taste Skillet: 1, medium-large
Let’s Make It! Such sides or stir-fries are a super healthy and tasty way of incorporating these nutty water vegetables into your diet. This dish can give your body a boost of antioxidants and much-needed micronutrients. You can find a horde of such quick, simple, and nutritious recipes with water chestnuts. They go very well with greens, chicken, and meat dishes. You can dry water chestnuts and get them milled for flour. Water chestnut flour can be used in baking and cooking, similar to wheat flour.
How To Buy Water Chestnuts
You can find fresh water chestnuts if you live close to a pond or a lake that has been invaded by this plant. If not, you can get them from supermarkets that sell international foods or Asian grocery stores. Pick the hard and glossy ones. Ensure that they have no pits, bruises, or mushy spots. Good quality and healthy water chestnuts should look bright and white on the inside. They should taste sweet and nutty.
How To Store Water Chestnuts
After buying water chestnuts, store them unpeeled in paper bags in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them in suitable containers. They last up to 5-6 months at 0ºF. It is better to peel water chestnuts just before use. Storing peeled ones in water may rob them of their fresh taste and texture. If you still wish to do so, keep them in this condition only for 2-3 days. Change the water every day. Some of us find it convenient to cook and store such vegetables. The best way to do so is to boil water chestnuts, peel them, pack them in freezer bags/suitable containers, and freeze. Label the bags with the date of packing. Leave enough headspace in each bag to prevent rotting or partial freezing. Cooked, peeled, and frozen water chestnuts will last up to a year if stored the right way. Another fuss-free option is using canned water chestnuts. Good quality water chestnuts are washed, peeled, and stored in brine (saltwater) before canning. You can use canned water chestnuts just like the fresh ones. They taste similar. Once opened, the leftovers need to be stored in fresh, filtered water. Change the water every day.
How Can You Tell If Water Chestnuts Have Gone Bad?
Water chestnuts spoil quickly if not stored well. Do not use the canned contents if they smell off and feel slimy. Fungal molds may develop in the containers if you don’t change the water. This can also happen in the cans. Be careful when you are buying water chestnuts – fresh or canned ones. Sometimes, the fresh ones may be picked from a lake/pond that has polluted/contaminated water. Therefore, stick to a trusted source/brand. Also, check the expiration date and storage conditions before purchasing canned water chestnuts. Water chestnuts provide an array of health benefits. But they may cause adverse effects in some individuals. Find out more about them below.
Side Effects Of Water Chestnuts
Catherine says, “Water chestnuts are generally safe for consumption, but some individuals may experience allergic reactions, which can cause symptoms like itching, swelling, or digestive discomfort.” A case study published in the International Journal of Allergy Medications suggested that allergic reactions to water chestnuts are rare. However, it reported about a 57-year-old man of Asian origin who developed an allergic reaction to water chestnut flour. He experienced symptoms like breathlessness, hives, and loss of consciousness (15). Therefore, seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction after consuming water chestnuts. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that the excess consumption of water chestnuts may cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Also, due to lack of scientific research on the interaction of water chestnuts with medicines, consult your healthcare provider before consuming them if you are on any medications. Does water chestnut lead to weight gain? No, water chestnut does not lead to weight gain. In fact, its low-calorie content may help with weight loss and improve metabolism. Is water chestnut good for the liver? Yes, water chestnut is good for the liver. It contains vitamin B6 that helps promote liver function. Are water chestnuts good for your skin? Yes, water chestnuts are good for the skin. Their vitamins E and B and zinc promote skin health. Does water chestnut cause body heat, or does it cool it down? Water chestnut acts as a body coolant and is majorly consumed in summers. Is chestnut good for fertility? Yes, chestnuts are good for fertility. They contain beta carotene that helps in the production of enzymes needed for egg fertilization. Do chestnuts cause gas? Yes, eating excessive amounts of chestnuts may cause gas because of their carbohydrate content. Is chestnut good for kidneys? Yes, chestnut is good for kidneys as it is low in protein and potassium. It can also be taken by individuals with kidney disease.
Illustration: Are Water Chestnuts Good For You? How To Eat Them?
