Today, let's talk about a sweet, delicious and nutritious ingredient - water chestnut.
Water chestnuts, also known as horseshoe, are native to Southeast Asia and later spread to southern China and other tropical regions.
In China, Guangdong, Fujian and other places in the paddy fields of the widely cultivated horseshoe, because of its water quality and climatic conditions are suitable, the production of horseshoe is tender and delicious, deeply loved by people.
Is water chestnut suitable for weight loss?
Water chestnut is a low-calorie, high-fiber root vegetable. It is rich in vitamin C and minerals such as potassium and manganese, which are very beneficial for maintaining good health.
In addition, water chestnuts also contain more water, which can help the body maintain a water balance. It is suitable for most people, especially those who need a low-calorie or high-fiber diet, such as diabetics and sisters who are losing weight.
However, it should be noted that although water chestnuts are low in calories, they are still higher in calories than most vegetables, mainly because the carbohydrate content in them is not low, so when eating water chestnuts for a meal, it is best to reduce other staple foods in moderation.
Eat water chestnuts raw and beware of parasites
Although water chestnuts are delicious, they may not be safe to eat raw.
This is because water chestnuts usually grow in paddy fields or wetlands, and the water environment in these areas provides ideal conditions for the survival and reproduction of various parasites. The larvae of these parasites can attach themselves to aquatic plants, including water chestnuts.
If lung fluke larvae on the surface of water chestnuts are ingested without adequate cleaning and cooking, they can infect humans and cause paragonimiasis. Common symptoms of infection include respiratory problems such as cough, fever, chest pain, and in severe cases, it may even lead to lung infection.
The correct way to eat water chestnuts and recipes
To avoid parasitic infections, water chestnuts must be heated thoroughly when cooking.
Here are two healthy and easy recipes for water chestnuts:
Low-fat horseshoe corn lean meatloaf
| material | 200 grams of water chestnuts, 300 grams of lean pork, 100 grams of corn kernels, 1 egg, appropriate amount of salt, appropriate amount of black pepper, appropriate amount of chives. |
Method:
1. Peel the water chestnuts and cut them into small pieces, break them in a food processor and pour them out for later use.
2. Cut the lean meat into cubes and beat it into minced meat in a food processor.
3. Add the minced water chestnuts, corn kernels, beaten eggs, salt to taste, and ground black pepper to the minced meat.
4. Once well mixed, sprinkle with chopped chives.
5. Take an appropriate amount of the mixture and press it by hand into the shape of a meatloaf.
6. Brush a non-stick frying pan with a little vegetable oil and fry over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Horseshoe cane carrot water (unsweetened version)
| material | 200 grams of water chestnuts, 1 stalk of sugarcane (about 500 grams), 200 grams of carrots, 2000 ml of water. |
Method:
1. Wash and peel the water chestnuts and cut into cubes.
2. Peel and cut the sugarcane into sections, wash the carrots and cut into cubes.
3. Place the water chestnuts, sugar cane and carrots in a large pot and add the water.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. After simmering, filter out impurities and leave sweet fruit and vegetable water.
These two recipes are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them perfect for summer or as a healthy snack. Hope you can try these recipes and enjoy the deliciousness and health that water chestnuts bring!