Eat more water chestnuts:
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- May 13, 2019
- 2 min read
7 Surprising Reasons to Eat More Water Chestnuts
Other than the occasional Chinese food, most people probably don’t give water chestnuts much thought, but they should. That’s because water chestnuts are surprisingly healthy. Here are some of my favorite reasons to eat more water chestnuts:
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITY AGAINST BREAST CANCER
According to a research published in the journal Oncology Reports, scientists found that a natural compound found in water chestnuts called ferulic acid demonstrated anti-cancer activity. The study found that ferulic acid inhibited tumors while also preventing cancer from spreading. The finding shows promise in the possible prevention and treatment of cancer.
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITY AGAINST LUNG CANCER
According to research published in the Journal of Food Science, there are 4 compounds in water chestnuts that demonstrated activity against human lung cancer. One in particular, known as luteolin, had the greatest activity against cancer cells, causing them to commit suicide. You need to look for chestnuts tht are non-peeled to get benefit of this compound.
PACKED WITH NUTRITION
They are good source of copper, magnesium and potassium, as well as the vitamins B2 and B6. Moreover, they contain fiber an protein both are important for your diet.
REGULATE BLOOD PRESSURE
Due to their water content, water chestnuts can regulate blood pressure. One half cup of sliced water chestnuyts provides 362 milligrams of potassium. Just remember to keep your salt intake under control and according to recommendations.
DESTROY FREE RADICALS LINKED TO AGING
According to research wtaer chestnuts contain antioxidant or free radicals scavenger. Antioxidants are important for us to slow the aging and disease processes.
REHYDRATION POWERHOUSES
They are made of 74% of water wich ake them a great food to rehydrate your body at the cellular level.
KEEP YOU FEELING FULL LONGER
Due to their high water content, water chestnuts can keep you full with low calorie content that is why they are diet friendly food.
How to Benefit from Water Chestnuts
In order to get health benefits you need to eat them on regular basis. They are available in whole or sliced form in cans in most grocery stores in the international foods aisle. Some grocery stores or Asian food markets sell them fresh. Most people peel the fresh ones. They can be grilled, boiled, steamed or sautéed and are a delicious addition to soups, salads and stir fries.
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