Water chestnut is a deciduous shrub or tree that can be found almost everywhere. The water chestnut tree has very few leaves and grows in fields, along roads, ditches, swamps, and mountain tops. It usually flowers in the summer and fruits in the late part of the year. The tubers or the water chestnut are small in size and come in several shades of green, brown and even orange, though most of the water chestnut trees are dark green in color.
Though the water chestnut has a very limited shelf life, it is still considered as one of the most nutritious and useful nuts available in the market today. Its medicinal properties and vitamin contents provide a good source of nutrition to people who eat them and drink its water. If you wish to know more about the medicinal properties of water chestnut, then read on and learn about its nutritional value and medicinal values.
One of the medicinal properties of water chestnut is that it contains an extremely high level of potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus and sodium. This nut also contains a large amount of chlorophyll, a type of algae, and tannin. All these natural substances make up a complete substance, which is known as “atechins”.
Antioxidants are known to be one of the most powerful agents in the prevention of cancer and heart diseases. Some of the most widely known antioxidants are polyphenols and quercetin, which are present in a variety of food items like soybeans, wheat, tomatoes, carrots and water chestnuts. Quercetin is also used in the manufacturing of antioxidant-rich beverages and skin creams.
Aside from its medicinal and nutritional value, the water chestnut is also used as an aphrodisiac for men. A study was conducted by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which found out that when men ate a portion of water chestnut every day, it increased their testosterone levels. Testosterone is known to have a positive effect in the growth and development of male sexual organs. The increase in testosterone levels was noticed to occur within just a week after eating the chestnut.
Water chestnut is an excellent source of fiber and is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and sodium. It is also rich in protein and has a moderate amount of fatty acids. This fruit is also high in vitamin C and vitamin E. Thus, water chestnut is considered as a super food. In addition, the fruit has been proven to prevent cancer and has anti-inflammatory properties. With these impressive health benefits, you will definitely need a cup of water chestnut today!