Want to lose weight naturally in winter? Nutritionist explains the health benefits of singhara, how to use it

Singhara, or water chestnut, is a fibre-rich winter food that may support digestion, satiety and healthy weight loss. (Image: Pinterest)

• Singhara is low-calorie, high-fibre, and aids weight loss during winter.
• It helps digestion, controls blood sugar, and provides sustained energy.
• Singhara keeps the body warm and prevents unhealthy winter snacking.

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Cold weather typically leads to increased calorie intake and significantly reduced physical activity, so losing weight is quite difficult. This is where seasonal produce like Singhara (Water Chestnut) can be very effective. Eaten throughout the winter season in India, boiled or roasted or as singhara flour , which can be used to make different dishes, this humble water plant has multiple health benefits that can help you lose weight naturally.

Low in calories and high in dietary fibre, not to mention its mineral-rich content, Singhara is a perfect winter food for those aiming to lose extra kilos without compromising on nutrition. Singhara is a good source of carbohydrates and fibres, and according to Dr Nikhil Arora, Senior Consultant Nutritionist and Lifestyle Physician, singhara also aids digestion, regulates appetite and offers consistent energy, which is very important for healthy weight loss during winter months.

“Weight loss is not about eating less; it’s about eating smart. Singhara provides satiety, warmth and nourishment all through one humble food,” Dr Arora tells Moneycontrol. Used properly, singhara can help to speed up the metabolism, stave off unhealthy snacking and maintain energy levels throughout the day.

Also Read: Struggling to stay hydrated this winter? This water-rich food can help, says a nutritionist

Here is why singhara is beneficial for weight loss and how to effectively include it in your diet this winter.

Benefits Of Using Singhara For Weight Loss

Low-calorie and fibre-rich

Singhara, being low in calories and high in dietary fibre makes you feel full and prevents overeating. Adding boiled or roasted singhara as a snack staves off hunger pangs, prevents binging and lets you keep a tight rein on calories in winter.

Improves Digestion and Gut Health

The presence of a good amount of fibre in singhara also helps to improve bowel movement, thereby preventing the complaint of constipation, which is a common winter problem. Good digestion means improved nutrient absorption as well as metabolic efficiency, which are crucial for consistent and sustainable weight loss.

Provides Sustained Energy

High in complex carbohydrates, singhara provides slow-releasing energy , which helps keep you active and alert. That’ll stave off sugar cravings and fatigue that make it harder to keep up with those winter workouts — exercising each day, even if just lightly.

Supports Blood Sugar Control

Singhara has a low glycaemic index and can assist in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Steady blood sugar stops insulin spikes (which lead to fat storage), so if you’re trying to lose weight or have prediabetes, singhara can really help.

Keeps the Body Warm Naturally

In Ayurveda, singhara is considered to have a heat-inducing effect. Eating it in winter preserves body warmth, increases calorie burning and keeps u from turning to high-fat comfort food for warmth.

Also Read: Nutritionist shares 7 breakfast options for effective weight loss

Clever ways of including Singhara in your diet

It can be used as a mid-morning snack, boiled singhara in salads or roasted singhara for baking, and other alternatives are oil extracted from the seeds or flour made from singhara ka atta to prepare rotis or pancakes. Skip the deep-frying and combine it with proteins or vegetables to create a balanced, weight-loss-friendly meal.

“Seasonal foods like singhara go in sync with the body’s natural requirements. If taken properly, they can help in weight loss (process) and overall health,” says Dr Nikhil Arora.

FAQs on Health Benefits of Water Chestnut for Weight Loss

1. How does water chestnut aid in weight loss?

Water chestnut is low in calories and high in dietary fibre, which helps in feeling full and preventing overeating. Its fibre content improves digestion, aiding nutrient absorption and metabolic efficiency crucial for weight loss.

2. Can water chestnut help control blood sugar levels?

Yes, water chestnut has a low glycaemic index which assists in maintaining normal blood sugar levels, preventing insulin spikes that lead to fat storage.

3. Is water chestnut beneficial for digestion?

Absolutely. The fibre in water chestnut helps improve bowel movement, preventing constipation, which is a common issue during winter.

4. How can water chestnut provide sustained energy?

Water chestnut is high in complex carbohydrates, offering slow-releasing energy that keeps you active and alert, preventing sugar cravings and fatigue.

5. Does water chestnut help in keeping the body warm during winter?

Yes, in Ayurveda, water chestnut is believed to have a heat-inducing effect that preserves body warmth, increases calorie burning, and prevents the urge to turn to high-fat comfort food.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.