Nutritional and Health Benefits of Singhara – A Review Article.

Abstract

Background : Trapa Natans commonly known as Singhara or Paniphal in India. It is also known as Water Chestnut or Water Caltrops. It grows throughout the East of India such as in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Especially in Bihar, it is widely cultivated in Darbanga, Madhubani and Samasthipur district. Nuts are the edible part of the singhara and can be eaten boiled or sometimes roasted. Dried water chestnuts can be ground into fl our to make a kind of porridge. Young nuts can be eaten raw with its greenish skin removed. Method : An extensive literature survey was conducted using databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar. Articles were searched using terms related to ‘ Singhara ’ , ‘ Water Chestnut ’ , ‘ Bene fi ts of Singhara ’ . Total 20 articles were reviewed in order to write this review paper. The studies involving Bene fi ts of Singhara on Health were included in this article. Result : The Singhara shell and core are rich in starch, dietary fi ber, essential amino acids, certain types of phenols and minerals and have demonstrated various biological activities, including anticancer and antioxidant properties. Singhara contains several antioxidants that can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases and conditions. Other health bene fi ts may include improve blood pressure, cancer prevention, weight loss and digestive health. Conclusion : Singhara can be considered as safe, powerful plant with multiple medicinal and nutritional bene fi ts.