Singhara, also popularly known as water caltrops, is a refreshing fruit that is mostly available during winters. They are cultivated in muddy and swampy land in the Asian region. Their structure resembles the head of a bull or a flying bat.
This fruit is succulent and refreshing to consume. It's mostly eaten raw as fruit or used in several dishes. Apart from its fresh taste, it is enriched with various nutrients like fiber, manganese, Vitamin B6, and Copper, making it beneficial for health.
Singhara Benefits for Health
1. Keeps You Fit
If you are calorie conscious and watch everything before you eat, then singhara could benefit you. It's enriched with fibre and aids weight loss. This is one of the reasons why singhara is used for making flour. Fibre helps you lose weight and protects you from various health diseases like cancer, heart stroke, and jaundice.
2. A Gluten-free Option
If you are allergic to gluten or if it interferes with your digestion, then singhara flour can be a good alternative for you. You can enjoy singhara flour chapatis without worrying about your gut.
3. Helps Manage Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure could lead to some fatal health issues. You need to keep a watch on your rising blood pressure level. Singhara is high in potassium which counters the effects of sodium to bring down the high blood pressure. Singhara is also called a heart-friendly option since it's a low cholesterol food.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
We all are well aware of the benefits of antioxidants for our bodies. Antioxidants alleviate the free radicals in the body, thereby reducing cancer risk. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of this fruit are what make it an all-rounder for your immunity.
5. Provides Relief in Jaundice
Singhara helps in lowering the ill effects of jaundice. People who have jaundice suffer from a decrease in body fluids. Singhara provides hydration to the body and accelerates recovery.
6. Makes You Energetic
Singhara works great as an energy-boosting food. It's high in nutrients like iron, potassium, and phosphorus, which restore the lost energy level.
7. Heals Digestive Problems
Indigestion can take a toll on your overall health sometimes. Singhara juice keeps digestive issues at bay. Internal heats lead to various digestive ailments and nausea. It acts as a coolant and relieves the body from internal heat.
8. Relieves Cough
The antioxidant properties of singhara are very effective in calming down cough symptoms. You can grind the singhara into a fine powder and use it in tea or with juice to lower the cough. The essential substances like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in singhara are ideal for providing immediate relief from coughing and throat problems.
9. Relieves Hypertension in Pregnancy
Taking singhara during pregnancy provides the body with several vitamins such as B6, B, and E that guarantee a safe pregnancy. It also improves the growth of the foetus.
It has always been given to pregnant women shortly after delivery to stop bleeding. The dried seeds of singhara can also stop excessive bleeding during a miscarriage in women. It should be taken by young mothers to support breastfeeding by promoting lactation in the mammary glands.
10. Promotes Hair Growth
Singhara can give your hair a wonder. It is rich in Vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, and potassium. Regular consumption of singhara will result in silky, shiny, and healthy hair. It also removes toxins from the body that damage the scalp and hair structure. Singhara also has the power to trap moisture in the hair.
11. Combats Urine Infection
Singhara is also ideal for treating various types of urinary tract infections. The enzymes like amylase, invertase, and lipase present in Singhara can clean the bladder and disinfect it. This helps treat urinary tract infections and other illnesses related to the urinary system.
12. Improves Fertility
Traditionally, Singhara is famous for increasing fertility. They are energy boosters and provide high levels of antioxidants, making them a good supplement to enhance fertility.
13. Makes Your Skin Glow
Singhara also acts as a natural antidote, purifying the toxins from your body through its detoxifying properties and rewarding you with shiny skin and hair.
14. Balances Blood Sugar
Singhara fibre also helps balance blood sugar levels. Eating fibre-rich foods allows your body to absorb starch slowly. This helps avoid blood sugar spikes that can be dangerous for people with diabetes. In addition, the glycemic index score of singhara is as low as 54. Foods with a low glycemic index do not significantly change blood glucose levels when eaten.
15. Makes Your Blood Pure
Singhara helps remove impurities and inflammation in the blood through its detoxifying properties. They also act as energy boosters to relieve body fatigue and fatigue. After surgery or a fatal laceration, it controls blood flow from the open wound and stops excess blood flow. For this reason, Singhara should be taken by patients immediately after surgery.
References
- Prafulla Adkar, February 2014; Trapa bispinosa Roxb.: A Review on Nutritional and Pharmacological Aspects - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941599/
- Jasmine Chaudhary, June 2012; Trapa Natans (Water Chestnut): An Overview - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264420038
- D. Borchert, June 2008; Prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection with probiotics: Review and research perspective - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684288/
