Things you didn't know about Water Chestnut - Is this really a type of cashew?

When you eat a dish like 'chopped' at a Chinese restaurant, have you ever thought about the strange, milky-colored vegetable that makes a 'crackling' sound when you eat it? That's what 'water cashew' is. But despite the name 'cashew', this is not the type of cashew we know. It is actually a very special vegetable that grows underwater in muddy swamps. So today, let's talk about the hidden health secrets of this delicious, crunchy water cashew.

What is this Water Chestnut?

Simply put, water chestnuts are neither a nut nor a type of cashew. They are the edible part of an aquatic plant. Like a potato. This plant looks like grass. They are most commonly grown in Asian countries like China, India, the Philippines, and Japan. They are also cultivated in Australia, some African countries, and islands in the Pacific Ocean.

We eat the small, round, tuber-like parts of this plant that grow underground (called corms). These can be eaten raw or cooked. In Asian cuisine, this water chestnut is indispensable. The reason for this is that, no matter how much it is cooked, it does not lose its 'crispy' taste.

Are fresh or canned better?

There is a slight difference between these two.

• Fresh water chestnuts: These are a little sweeter than canned ones. But there is one very important thing . If you eat fresh water chestnuts raw, they may contain a parasite called Fasciolopsiasis. To avoid this, you must remove the skin of the water chestnuts and wash them thoroughly before eating.

• Canned water chestnuts: These are available in abundance in our supermarkets. When canned, the skins are removed and they come whole or cut into pieces. The risk of these containing the aforementioned parasite is very low. However, it is best to drain the water from the can and wash them thoroughly before using them.

Amazing health benefits of eating cashew nuts

This little vegetable has many benefits for our bodies. Let's take a look at the main ones.

1. Protects heart health

Cashews are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps control high blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke . Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in potassium have a significantly lower risk of heart disease.

2. Powerful antioxidant power

The skin of the cashew nut is particularly rich in powerful compounds called antioxidants. These antioxidants are like little heroes that repair damage to our body's cells. They reduce inflammation in the body and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

3. A great aid for digestion

Cashews are a food rich in fiber . Fiber is essential for the functioning of our intestines. They help in the proper digestion of food. Also, since fiber absorbs water and softens the stool, this is a very good solution for people with problems like constipation.

4. Are you trying to lose weight?

If you are on a weight loss plan, it is wise to include cashew nuts in your diet. Because cashew nuts are high in fiber, they can help you feel full even after eating a small amount. However, they are relatively low in calories . This means that you will feel full without adding unnecessary calories to your body.

Think about it: if you add some cashews to your salad or stir-fry, the food will be delicious, have a unique texture, and will also fill you up.

5. Good for those with stomach problems (Low FODMAP)

Some people have stomach problems like (IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome). They have difficulty digesting certain types of sugars (called FODMAPs). Eating such foods can cause bloating and stomach cramps. However, cashews are a food with a low FODMAP value. This means that even people with stomach problems can eat them without any problems.

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Let's compare the nutritional value of cashew nuts.

There is a clear difference in the nutritional values ​​of fresh and canned cashews. This can be understood from the table below. These values ​​are for approximately 100 grams (about 2/3 cup).

As you can see from this table, the nutritional value of fresh cashews, especially potassium and fiber, is much higher than that of canned cashews. They are also higher in calories and carbohydrates. So you can choose according to your needs.

How do you prepare these to eat?

There are endless ways to eat cashews. You can prepare them in any way you like.

• Stir-fry: Add some cashew nuts to stir-fry made with meat, fish, or vegetables.
• As a soup: You can make a delicious soup by adding water chestnuts to something like pork.
• For salads: You can add it to a chicken salad or tuna salad to increase the crunch.
• As an appetizer: Try wrapping cashews in bacon and baking them.
• As a filling: It can be added to rolls, patties, etc. as a filling along with other vegetables.
• As a dessert: The popular Thai dessert "Red Rubies" is made with cashews. It is very delicious when made with coconut milk.
• As flour: Cashew nuts are dried and ground into flour. This flour is used to thicken foods and in some bakery products.

If you're thinking of adding something new to your diet, definitely give cashews a try. With its health benefits, it's likely to become one of your favorite vegetables. However, if you have any chronic medical conditions, it's best to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.