Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it also brings about those unexpected food cravings! You might find yourself suddenly wanting something you’ve never tried before. While indulging in these cravings can be fun, it’s essential to check with your doctor before adding anything new to your diet. One food that you might be wondering about is Singhara (सिंघाड़ा), also known as water chestnuts or chestnuts. Many women wonder if they can include singhara in pregnancy diet. Well, this humble superfood is packed with carbohydrates and fiber, making it an excellent choice for expectant mothers. If you’re here to discover whether it is safe to eat singhara during pregnancy, you’re in the right place!
Video of Singhara In Pregnancy
What is Singhara?
Singhara and Paniphal are the Indian names for the water chestnut. It grows in East India, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
- The edible part of the Singhara is its nut, which can be enjoyed either boiled or roasted.
- Dried water chestnuts can be ground into flour to make a nutritious porridge.
- Young Singhara nuts can also be eaten raw after peeling off their greenish skin.
- These nuts are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, minerals, and carbohydrates.
- The dried kernels are often ground into flour, which can serve as a great substitute for wheat flour in various recipes.
Nutritional Value of Water Chestnuts
Minerals commonly found in Singhara are potassium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese and sulfur. This table displays the nutritional content found in water chestnuts (1)
| Nutrients | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 95.6 Kcal |
| Vitamin C | 5.26 mg |
| Sodium | 8.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21.46 gm |
| Fiber | 3.02 gm |
| Calcium | 35.17 mg |
| Phosphorous | 62.83 mg |
Is it Safe to Eat Singhara During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is generally safe to eat water chestnuts during pregnancy. It can be a healthy addition to the pregnancy diet. Singhara is rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, fiber, vitamins (B6, B, and E), and minerals, which support both the mother’s and the baby’s health. As with any food, moderation is the key when it comes to singhara in pregnancy.
Top 4 Benefits of Eating Singhara During Pregnancy
As discussed earlier, eating singhara in pregnancy can be highly beneficial for a pregnant woman as it helps her release bad toxins from the body and protects her from catching infections such as UTIs. At the same time, the fruit is devoid of calories and full of fiber, both of which are highly beneficial when you are pregnant.
Let’s have a look at several benefits of eating singhara in pregnancy.
1. Helps to Minimize Weakness
The pregnancy phase makes a woman lethargic, and she tends to feel weak all day long. When you feel lethargic, your productivity can go down. Including singhara in pregnancy diet helps combat fatigue, and you can go about your daily routine as usual. When you are active, you need not worry about gaining unnecessary weight.
2. Maintains Bone Health
Just like milk and curd, water chestnuts are excellent for your bone health. They have the potential to maintain the mother’s and baby’s bone health by providing much-needed calcium during pregnancy. In addition, they also maintain oral health and prevent oral infections.
3. Keeps You Away From Inflammation
When you are expecting, there will be several changes in your body. These changes can disturb your cells and increase the amount of inflammation in your body. Singhara fruit helps reduce inflammation in your body. It can also help you protect yourself and your baby from inflammation-related ailments.
4. They are Fibrous
You must eat fiber-rich foods during pregnancy. A diet high in fiber helps in digestion and keeps problems such as constipation at bay. As everyone knows, pregnancy and constipation go hand in hand. Fibrous food can also help to keep blood sugar levels in check and regulate cholesterol levels.
[Read : Eating Jujube (Ber) Fruit During Pregnancy]
Side Effects of Eating Singhara During Pregnancy
While Singhara (water chestnuts) offers many health benefits during pregnancy, it’s important to consume them in moderation and be aware of potential side effects. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Chances of Allergic Reactions
Singhara may cause an allergic reaction in some pregnant women. It can cause rashes, swelling, or itching. Those with nut allergies should consult their doctor before consuming singhara during pregnancy.
2. May Cause Digestive Issues
Singhara is high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. However, consuming too much fiber at once can lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea. (2) To avoid digestive discomfort, slowly introduce it into your pregnancy diet and drink plenty of water. Ensure that it is properly roasted or cooked before eating
3. Could Raise Blood Pressure
While Singhara (water chestnuts) can be beneficial in managing hypertension due to its potassium content, consuming it in excess can potentially have the opposite effect. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of any single food.
4. May Cause Excessive Weight Gain
Singhara is a healthy food but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake. Women who are pregnant should maintain a balanced diet, and eating too many nuts can affect their weight management.
5. Not Suitable For Individuals With Diabetes
Singhara has been found to possess hypoglycemic properties Thus, diabetic persons on medications or pregnant women with low blood sugar levels should consult a professional before taking singhara. (2a)
It is best to consult a doctor before adding Singhara to a pregnant woman’s diet, especially if she has any concerns or pre-existing conditions.
How Can I Eat Water Chestnuts During Pregnancy?
Are you looking for ways to easily incorporate water chestnuts into your diet during pregnancy? Doctors recommend several methods for consuming singhara to maximize its benefits. Continue reading to discover effective ways to enjoy singhara during this time.
1. Make a Paste
Applying Singhara as a paste to the affected areas can effectively alleviate pain almost instantly. Additionally, it helps reduce itchiness and swelling, promoting faster healing
2. Prepare a Singhara Pulao
Who can resist a delicious serving of pulao? This vibrant dish masterfully combines a medley of fresh vegetables with fragrant rice and aromatic spices, promising a culinary experience that delights the senses. To take it to the next level, add singhara, or water chestnuts, into the mix. Their crisp texture and subtly sweet flavor elevate the pulao, making it even more nutritious, enjoyable, and filling.
3. Singhare Ka Atta(FLOUR)
Singhara flour is commonly used during fasting. You can use this flour to make chapatis that are filling and nutritious. Singhara flour can be beneficial during pregnancy, as it helps keep you satiated for a long time and curbs cravings for junk food.
[Read : Eating Turnips During Pregnancy]
FAQ’s
1. What are the Benefits of Eating Singhara During Pregnancy?
Water chestnuts offer several benefits during pregnancy, such as being highly nutritious, low in fats, reducing the risk of stroke, and helping you feel full for longer.
2. Does Singhara In Pregnancy Increase Weight?
Absolutely No! It is a no-starchy food and does not cause your weight gain but ultimately helps you lose it.
3. Can we Drink Water After Eating Water Chestnuts?
It would be better if you could avoid drinking water for at least 15 minutes after consuming singharas. This is because immediately taking in water can cause a dry cough.
4. Is Singhara Fruit Healthy?
Yes! Singhara fruit is healthy to be consumed during pregnancy.
5. Can We Eat Singhara Daily?
Yes, you can eat Singhara fruit or water chestnuts daily. But just keep the levels of moderation in mind, especially when you are pregnant. Singhara fruit is well-known as the best nutrition source and is safe for pregnant women. Eating Singhara can help you deal with fatigue, mood swings, and hunger pangs during pregnancy. However, anything in excess is not good, so it is always better to not cross the moderation level.
6. Does Singhara Cause Constipation?
Singhara fruit is best known for its ability to ease constipation. Pregnancy is a phase where women often complain of being constipated. Eating singhara can help you deal with it because of the decent amount of fiber it has.
7. Is Singhara Rich In Iron?
Singhara is an excellent source of carbohydrates and other nutrients like iron, vitamin B6, calcium, and potassium. It helps in boosting your energy levels and keeps you fuller for a longer time, especially during pregnancy.
References
- Soma Basu , A.J. Hemamalini, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai)- https://rescon.jssuni.edu.in/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=ijhas
- Basu, Soma & Hemamalini, A. (2023). Nutritional and Health Benefits of Singhara – A Review Article. International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences. 12. 66. 10.55691/2278-344X.1060 – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383462211
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