Health Benefits of Singhara And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2022
Singhara is very beneficial because it acts as a coolant, cures jaundice, has antioxidant properties, treats urine infection, cures indigestion and nausea, relieves cough, helps to combat hypertension, improves the blood and is beneficial for the hair.
Singhara
Singhara is also known as water caltrop, water chestnut, ling nut, devil pod, bat nut and buffalo nut. They are abundantly found in the warm temperate areas of Africa and Eurasia. This fruit resembles the silhouette of a flying bat or the head of a bull. Each fruit is quite large and starchy. It has been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and China for nearly 3,000 years. In Japanese, this plant is called ‘Hishi’ which means a lozenge or a diamond shaped.
Summary- Singhara is a lozenge or diamond-shaped food crop. Globally, it is utilized for different purposes.
Nutritional Value of Singhara
The submerged stem of the Singhara or the water caltrop reaches 12 to 15 feet and is attached into the mud by fine roots. It contains two types of leaves which are divided into feather like leaves. They are undivided and float in a rosette at the surface of the water.
Singhara seeds can live up to 12 years, even though most seeds germinate within the first two years only. This fruit is usually a nut which has four barbed spines each measuring approximately 1 centimetres.
Summary- Singhara is enriched with high nutritional values. It possesses various essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Singhara
Singhara acts as a coolant
Singhara is very beneficial as it acts like a coolant for your body. It quenches thirst and promotes salivation. Since it is bitter, heavy, sweet and cool, it is extremely effective in controlling loose motions and heat strokes. Consuming Singhara is ideal in hot and dry weather as it can maintain the body temperature.
Summary- Singhara possesses cooling activity. It reduces the heat of the body naturally and normalizes body temperature.
Singhara Cures jaundice
Singhara is very useful for people suffering from jaundice. Usually jaundice can make a person very weak and the body fluids can diminish rapidly. Consuming Singhara can provide relief in jaundice patients and it can also help to speed up their recovery process. They are low in calories which make it an ideal option.
Summary- Consumption of singhara helps to fight jaundice. It also protects the body from its adverse effects.
Antioxidant properties of singhara
Since Singhara is rich in antioxidants, it possesses anticancer, antiviral and antibacterial properties. This helps to strengthen the spleen and the stomach and also removes cancer, fatigue, insomnia and bad taste. Singhara is also useful in removing and relieving symptoms of a weak spleen.
Summary- Singhara possesses significant amounts of antioxidant content. Additionally to preventing some illnesses, it aids in immune system augmentation.
Singhara treats urine infection
Singhara is also ideal in treating various kinds of urine infections. The enzymes present in Singhara can cleanse the urinary bladder and disinfect it to a certain extent. It is useful in curing urinary tract infection and other ailments related to the urinary system. Consuming Singhara is the best way to cleanse your body and keep it healthy.
Summary- Due to the presence of various essential nutrients, singhara is capable of treating urine infections efficaciously. It supports deep cleansing of the body.
Cures indigestion and nausea with singhara
Consuming Singhara is a very effective method in treating indigestion and nausea. The juice of Singhara acts as a natural cure for stomach related problems. This is due to the fact that Singhara is beneficial for the removal of internal heat which leads to stomach upset and intestine ailments.
Summary- Regular consumption of singhara helps to treat digestive problems too. It reduces internal heat and prevents stomach ailments.
Singhara relieves cough
Singhara is very effective for soothing the symptoms of cough. Grinding Singhara into powder form and mixing it with juice, tea or water can be a great medicine to combat cough. The essential substances presnet in singhara plant make it ideal for combating cough and providing instant relief from throat issues.
Summary- Singhara also possesses cough-relieving attributes. It can be used standalone or mixed with water, tea, or juice.
Helps to combat hypertension
Singhara is essential in the treatment of hypertension, especially during pregnancy. It also improves fetal growth of the child. Since early times, Singhara is given to pregnant women right after delivery to check hemorrhage. The dried seeds of Singhara can also stop excessive bleeding during miscarriage in women. It should be consumed by new mothers, as it aids in lactation by promoting the secretion of milk in mammary glands.
Summary- It is advised to consume singhara during pregnancy because it supports proper fetal growth and development. It also supports lactation and prevents hypertension.
Benefits of chestnut to improve blood impurities
Singhara or water chestnut is beneficial in eliminating blood impurities and inflammations. They also act as an energy booster and drives away tiredness or signs of fatigue from the body. After surgeries or fatal cuts, it checks the flow of blood from the open wound and stops excessive flow of blood. This is why Singhara should be consumed by patients shortly after any surgery.
Summary- Water chestnut possesses detoxifying properties along with anti-inflammatory properties. It controls blood flow and aids in blood coagulation following cuts or other injuries.
Benefits of Singhara for hair growth
Singhara or water chestnut can do wonders on your hair. It is filled with vitamin E, Vitamin B, zinc and potassium. Consuming Singhara can lead to silky, lustrous and healthy hair. It also removes the toxins from the body which damages the scalp and hair texture. Singhara also has the power to lock in moisture in the hair.
Summary- Due to the presence of certain nutrients like vitamins B, E and zinc, singhara is super beneficial for hair. It supports hair growth and prevents premature greying of hair.
Uses of Singhara
Water chestnut has a lot of uses such as
- Alleviates nausea
- Lowers the risks of cardiac arrest
- Helps in a sound sleep
- Treats measles
- Great for thyroid
- Promotes hair growth
- Prevents loose motions
- Beneficial for skin health
Summary- Singhara is employed for a variety of applications. It is utilised in many cuisines as well as for its therapeutic qualities.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Singhara
Anything consumed in excess can be detrimental to health. If Singhara is consumed in copious amounts, it can have certain side effects like-
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
Summary- Digestive issues like stomach ache, bloating, nausea, vomiting, etc, are the well-known side effects of singhara. To avoid these complications, it must be consumed in limited quantities.
Cultivation of Singhara
Singhara has been declared am invasive species in Virginia. It is found in abundance in India, China, Washington, North Carolina and Florida. Singhara or water caltrop is declared as a noxious weed. It usually flourishes in freshwater lakes and is eaten raw or even boiled. In Europe, it is very rare and has reached near extinction due to drainage of ponds, changes of nutrients in the water body and climate fluctuations.
Summary- The origination of singhara is traced back to some parts of the world including India, Florida, China, etc. it is usually cultivated in fresh water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should we eat singhara?
Is singhara good for males?
Is singhara cold or hot?
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References
- Adkar P, Dongare A, Ambavade S, Bhaskar VH. Trapa bispinosa Roxb.: A review on nutritional and pharmacological aspects. Advances in pharmacological sciences. 2014;2014. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Imtiyaz S, Anwar M, Ali SJ, Tariq M, Chaudhury SS. Trapa bispinosa Roxb.: an ethnopharmacological review. Int Res J Pharm Plant Sci. 2013;1:13-20. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Mikulyuk A, Nault ME. Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) 2009 [Internet]. [Cited 28 June 2019]. Available from:
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