What is the effect of water chestnut?

1. Water chestnuts – a food rich in water, rich in nutrients and cooling

Content

1. Water chestnuts – a food rich in water, rich in nutrients and cooling
2. Effects of water chestnuts
2.1. Water chestnuts help protect the cardiovascular system
2.2. Eliminate free radicals and reduce inflammation
2.3. Aids digestion and reduces constipation
2.4. May aid weight control

Water chestnut is also known by many other names such as ma thay, dia le, thong thien thao... is a tuber that is not only used to prepare rustic dishes such as sweet soup, stir-fried dishes, but water chestnut is also a medicinal herb commonly used in traditional medicine thanks to its cooling properties and digestive support.

Water chestnut is a tuber of the sedge family, scientifically known as Eleocharis dulcis Burm.f, commonly grown in wetlands in Asia, Africa and some islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Although not rich in flavor, water chestnut is rich in nutrients thanks to its underwater growing environment.

Water chestnuts are very low in calories, while providing potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health, digestion, and many other bodily functions. Water chestnuts can be eaten raw, juiced, or used in stir-fries without raising blood sugar.

From the perspective of traditional Asian medicine, water chestnuts are cooling, helping to clear heat and support the body in hot and humid climates. Modern research also shows that water chestnuts have anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to weight control and improving overall health. Thanks to their high water content, they help create a feeling of fullness, provide hydration and are suitable for people living in hot environments or doing a lot of outdoor activities.

Củ năng (củ mã thầy) có tác dụng gì?- Ảnh 1.

Water chestnuts are very low in calories, while providing potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that benefit heart health, digestion, and many other bodily functions.

2. Effects of water chestnuts

Here are four notable health benefits of water chestnuts:

2.1. Water chestnuts help protect the cardiovascular system

Diets rich in potassium have been linked to a 24% lower risk of stroke and help control high blood pressure. Water chestnuts – a natural source of potassium – help regulate sodium levels in the body, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving blood circulation.

Information posted on Toi page said that not only the core, the skin of water chestnut also contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties, help protect the artery walls and help regulate cholesterol levels. People with high blood pressure can clearly benefit from adding water chestnuts to their daily diet, especially when their diet is rich in salt.

Water chestnuts are also naturally low in sodium, which provides a double benefit: They help reduce water retention and help regulate blood pressure. Eating sliced water chestnuts every day is a simple way to reap these benefits.

2.2. Eliminate free radicals and reduce inflammation

Water chestnuts contain antioxidants such as catechins and flavonoids, which are known to eliminate free radicals – factors linked to arthritis, heart disease and chronic diseases.

Studies have shown that water chestnut extract has strong free radical scavenging properties and reduces inflammatory cytokine levels, thereby helping to reduce swelling and systemic inflammation. Water chestnut peel contains the most powerful antioxidants, which help protect cells, limit damage and reduce oxidative stress – one of the causes of accelerated aging.

This makes water chestnuts a good choice for people with arthritis or inflammatory bowel disorders. The antioxidant compounds in water chestnuts can be absorbed by the body when eaten raw or boiled, and research has noted a reduction in cellular accumulation of H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide). H₂O₂ is a type of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that the body produces during metabolism. At low levels, H₂O₂ participates in a number of normal physiological activities. But if too much H₂O₂ accumulates, it causes oxidative stress, damages cells, promotes inflammation and aging, and is even linked to chronic diseases.

When used with green vegetables, the anti-inflammatory effect of water chestnuts is further enhanced.

2. 3. Aids digestion and reduces constipation

Water chestnuts have a low FODMAP index, making them friendly to people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This root vegetable does not cause bloating because it contains few difficult-to-digest carbohydrates. The fiber in water chestnuts helps nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut, contributing to improved digestive health.

Soluble fiber acts as a cholesterol “binder,” helping to bridge the gap between digestive function and heart health. Water chestnuts also help retain water in the intestines, soften stools, and support smooth bowel movements, reducing discomfort.

In traditional medicine, water chestnut juice is used to enhance the activity of the spleen and help improve appetite in both children and adults. Scientific observations also show that water chestnut helps the colon function more effectively, making it a suitable food to control constipation without causing weight gain.

2.4. May aid weight control

Because it contains few calories but is rich in water (about 90%) and fiber, water chestnuts create a feeling of fullness quickly, helping to limit food intake. This is especially beneficial for people on a weight loss diet.

The fiber in water chestnuts helps stabilize blood sugar, curb hunger pangs, and reduce cravings for high-energy foods. With its crunchy texture, water chestnuts can be a healthy snack, replacing snacks like potato chips.

Potassium in water chestnuts also aids in the removal of excess fluid from the body, contributing to healthy weight management. Studies show that a diet high in fiber and low in calories improves energy metabolism and supports long-term weight maintenance.

Water chestnuts can be added to salads, stir-fries or other vegetable-rich dishes, adding bulk without increasing total calories.

In addition, water chestnuts are also noted to have anti-cancer properties, capable of inhibiting tumor growth. At the same time, water chestnuts help fight oxidative stress - a factor related to the formation of type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases.

Please note, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/cu-nang-cu-ma-thay-co-tac-dung-gi-169251207150708823.htm