Chestnut Magic!
Posted on November 29, 2008, under Health.
Water chestnuts are commonly used in India.They can be good food especially if one is observing a fast.They are a good source of carbohydrates, making it a good replacement for grains.Dried and ground chestnut atta is used to make rotis and are a good source of energy.
BUT SOME AVOID THEM BECAUSE
- Water chestnuts are low in protective antioxidants.
- Canned water chestnuts can be high in sodium because salt is added in the canning process.
- They are extremely cold and laxative in nature and therefore should not be eaten excessively or it will cause gas in the stomach and bloating.
- Pregnant women especially should avoid eating water chestnuts.
NUTS FOR YOU..
Water chestnuts have many curative and supplementing properties.They are a cooling food and excellent to beat the heat.Water chestnut powder mixed with water relieves cough.If you experience pain while urination, drink up a sweet soup of chestnuts.The juice alleviates nausea and indigestion.Water chestnuts are also believed to cure jaundice and have detoxifying properties.Best consumed raw, they make for an excellent mid-evening snack.You can even steam or saute them.
This crunchy tuber is a staple in Chinese cooking.Although the name refers to them as a nut, they are not a nut at all but in fact a low calorie vegetable.They are great taste enhancers used in salads and appetizers containing very little fat and proving a good source of fibre and B vitamins.They also contain fair amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and zinc.
