7 Health Benefits of Singhara Flour

Water Chestnut, known as Singhara in Hindi, is a unique aquatic vegetable that thrives in marshlands submerged in mud. This versatile plant is cultivated primarily in the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand in India, although it can grow in marshlands wherever suitable conditions exist. Water Chestnut is grown in various countries across Asia (such as China and India), Australia, and tropical Africa for its edible corms.

Due to its characteristic of not rising while being cooked, Water Chestnut is best suited for making flatbreads. When leavening is necessary, it is often combined with other flours, such as wheat flour, to create the desired texture.

In India, Singhara finds its culinary spotlight during the auspicious occasion of Navratri. It is commonly used to prepare traditional dishes like chapatis and pakoras. Additionally, Singhara features in popular snacks like 'samosas,' 'papri chaat,' 'matthi,' and 'halwa.' Its flour serves as a thickening agent, adding a unique taste and texture to a variety of recipes. Embraced for its versatility, Singhara continues to be an integral part of Indian cuisine, adding a distinctive flavor to a wide range of delectable dishes.

# Controls Blood Pressure

Singhara flour is rich in potassium. This can work to reduce the negative effects associated with intake of sodium, such as high blood pressure. With this advantage, it is also good in maintaining heart health.

# Good for Liver

This flour is also believed to be good in case of jaundice and helps in removal of toxins from body.

# Reduces stress and anxiety

Being rich in Vitamin B6, this is believed to be good mood lifter and produces neurotransmitters which are helpful in stabilising mood and reducing stress.

# Proper functioning of thyroid gland

Since it contains iodine, it is believed to be good for proper functioning of thyroid gland.

# Improve Immunity

By being rich in anti-oxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, these improve immunity of body by reducing the free radicals and reducing inflammation. These are also anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-bacterial in nature.

# Quenches Thirst

Singhara flour has characteristics of ‘coolness’. This makes it different from ‘kuttu’ flour which has ‘warm’ property. This makes it a good thirst quencher and promotes salivation. It is also effective in controlling diarrhea and heat strokes.

# Helpful in Urinary Tract Infections

The water chestnut atta is good in treating the UTIs as it is believed to contain enzymes which can clean the bladder.