Health Benefits of Singhara / Water Caltrop / Water Chestnut

Water caltrop, water chestnut or Singhara is a greyish white fruit that is wrapped with Black cover and grows in water. When it is boiled and eaten with salt its taste becomes very different and yummy. It is mostly available after rainy season till the start of winter.

Water caltrop normally breeds in still or lightly flowing water. Due to this character of the plant, high level of toxins is formed in the seeds (the only edible portion). Hence, the singharas are cooked by roasting the raw fruit, to burn the toxins and we see the green fruit black, when it reaches our hands.

Singhara is used for treating diarrhoea, dysentery, thyroid problem, swelling and bronchitis. Singhara is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin B, C, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine and contains no fat. It is natural antioxidant, prevents wrinkles, protects from UV rays and helps to cure weakness.

• Gluten free
• Low in fat
• Cholesterol free
• Low in sodium
• High in potassium
• Rich in minerals calcium, iron, zinc and phosphorus
• Contains moderate amounts of fiber
• It helps to prevent sugar, ulcer, gout and heart diseases.
• Singhara is very rich in carbohydrate and 100 gm of it gives 115 calories.
• The seed treats hypertension during pregnancy and improves fetal growth.
• It contains iodine, manganese and other minerals that help in proper functioning of thyroid.
• It is anti oxidant and help to cure cough.
• It cures the phlegm in the body and eliminates inflammations, blood impurities and also help in curing diarrhea
• It is very energetic and drives away tiredness and checks the flow of blood from the wounds
• They are effective and natural assistance available to mothers for feeding their new born
• When taken in juice form, it can help ease problems of Nausea and Appetite in kids
• Detoxifying properties of water caltrops are considered to be good for person suffering from Jaundice
• In powdered form singhara is a remedy for cough, if taken twice a day with water
• To treat measles, boil chestnuts in water and drink this water to alleviate the infection. It is best given from the 3rd day to 9th day of symptoms.
• It is rich in polyphenolic and flavonoid antioxidants and therefore possesses antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and antioxidant properties.
• Relief in pain and swelling
• Singhara peel can be grind and applied on swelling to get relief.
• Helps to heal cracked heel
• Regular eating of its flour helps to gain weight.
• For eczema cure, dried singhara should be mixed with lemon juice and applied regularly on affected area.

Nutrient.................................................Amount/100 grams

Water........................................................48.2 g

Protein.......................................................3.4 g

Fat..............................................................0.2 g

Carbohydrates.........................................32.1 g

Sugars.......................................................3.3 g

Energy......................................................730 calories

Dietary Fiber............................................14.9 g

Calcium.....................................................17.6 mg

Zinc............................................................0.4 mg

Iron.............................................................0.7 mg

Sodium.......................................................0.8 mg

Potassium..................................................468 mg

Precautions:

• A healthy person can eat 10- 15 gm of singhara daily. This also varies depending on digestive strength.
• Do not eat singhara in excess as it may cause bloating and stomach pain.
• Do not drink water after eating singhara.
















• If suffering from constipation then better to avoid this fruit.