Chinese sentencerich in carbohydratesproteinsfats, fiber, etc.which can effectively absorb more nutrients by the human body.However, the nutritional value of water caltrop is not just limited to these,

and its medicinal value cannot be ignored as well!

Let's learn about the multiple benefits of water caltrop together below.Nutritional Value

Phosphorus in water caltrop is higher among root vegetables, promoting human growth and physiological functions,beneficial for tooth and bone development. It also regulates sugar, fat, protein metabolism and maintains acid-base balance in the body.Specifically reflected in several points:Antibacterial properties: The water caltrop contains a unique antibacterial component called water caltropin.It has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus,mucoid

bacillus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and can prevent cancer of the lung, esophagus, and breast.

2. Prevents acute infectious diseases: In spring when measles and meningitis are common, water caltrop is an effective preventive food.3. It has a cooling effect to reduce body temperature and replenish nutrition,

most suitable for fever patients.4. It has cooling blooddetoxifying

and diuretic properties, as well as expectorant effects.

It is applicable to fever with thirst, constipation, phlegm and coughing, and hypertension.

Water caltrop also has other benefits:Although water caltrop is a treasure of all parts,it has more benefits beyond those mentioned above. Let's continue to explore the other uses of water caltrop!Hypertension relief: Mix fresh water caltrop juice with fresh lotus root juice, pear juice, and fresh reed rhizome juice.Called "Five Juices Drink," it can quench thirst and lower blood pressure.

Treat esophageal cancer: Boil 10 pieces of water caltrop with its skin on daily.For sore throat: Crush water caltrop into juice, take cold, 125 grams per dose.Water caltrop contains crude protein, starch, and crude fat,

promoting large intestine movement to lubricate the intestines for relieving constipation.

It also helps to relieve constipation and eliminate abdominal distension.

For fever-induced thirst or diabetes, elderly people with dry mouth, it can be used effectively.

6. Water caltrop decoction can help urination to treat urinary tract infections and dysuria.

7. Prevent respiratory diseases: During the season of many respiratory infectious diseases,

eating fresh water caltrop is beneficial for preventing meningococcal meningitis, measles, pertussis, and acute tonsillitis.8. For uterine bleeding: Clinical trials have shown that using water caltrop andJapanese wild leek

for medicinal cuisine can be highly effective in treating functional uterine bleeding in women.For high blood pressure, constipation, or hemorrhoids, fresh water caltrop is recommended,crush it to apply externally to treat cracked nipples in women.

If processed into water caltrop powder and taken internally, it can clear the throat and expel phlegm,mending voice cords and throat health significantly.Water caltrop with

sea cucumber

can be used to treat goiter.How to Cook Water CaltropsWater caltrops have a deep brown outer skin, white flesh, a crisp and sweet taste,suitable for raw or cooked use.Cooked dishes can include water caltrop porridge, sliced stir-fried, added in meat balls to make them crunchy.Below are some simple yet delicious recipes.Water Caltrops Steamed Meat Cake

Materials: 6 water caltrops, half fattylean pork300 grams, Sichuan winter vegetables,

coriander1 stalk, appropriate amounts of cornstarch, chicken powder, and salt.Method:Peel and clean water caltrops, then chop into pieces;clean pork, slice, and mince it again;wash coriander and chop into segments;mix chopped water caltrops, minced pork, winter vegetables, cornstarch, chicken powder, salt, and a little water,

divide mixture in a dish and steam over high heat for half an hour. Garnish with coriander before serving.

Water Caltrop StewMaterials: 6 water caltrops, green round pepper 1 piece, shiitake mushrooms 3 pieces,mushroomhalf a root, starch slurry, black

pepper powder

and salt in appropriate amounts.

Method:Clean water caltrops and green round pepper, remove seeds and cut into small cubes; shiitake mushrooms soak until soft then remove stems,clean carrot, chop all ingredients;heat oil in a pot, stir-fry the prepared ingredients with a little water, cover and cook until done.Season with black pepper powder and salt, thicken sauce before serving.Water Caltrop JuiceMaterials: 8 water caltrops.

Method:

Wash and peel water caltrops;add a little water directly to extract juice. Drink after heating slightly.Things to note when eating water caltrops

Water caltrop is rich in nutrition, capable of preventing acute infectious diseases,making it an invaluable two-purpose food.However, moderation should be observed as excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects according to individual constitution.

Here are some precautions:

1. Water caltrop is a cold natured food; avoid overconsumption for those with weak spleen and stomach or loose stools.

2. Though beneficial, overeating can cause palpitation in the elderly.

3. It’s best not to often consume raw water caltrops.

Eating too many raw water caltrops may introduceginger nematodes

intestines and lead to intestinal ulcers, diarrhea or facial edema.

4. Water caltrop is unsuitable for long-term consumption in winter due to its cold nature which can damage the body's yang qi.5. Due to high starch content, diabetics should consume with caution.How to Store Water Caltrops

Water caltrops have different storage methods depending on their maturity; how do we store them effectively?

Here is an easy method:

After harvesting, spread water caltrops on a brick surface for 12-15 days,allowing them to dry slightly before storing in large ceramic jars (not those used for pickles),keep the jars in a dry and well-ventilated place.Each jar can hold about 80-100 kilograms. Cover the top of the jar tightly.

During the initial storage period, water caltrops have strong respiration,

so keep the lid off to facilitate ventilation; in cold winter months, cover with straw for insulation;

during rainy weather, remove the lid promptly to prevent moisture from damaging the water caltrops.

In summer, cover again to avoid dehydration and spoilage due to heat.Every 25-30 days, check the stored water caltrops in each jar.

This method can maintain freshness for up to half a year or longer.For long-term storage, create a trench with sand at the bottom of a cool house or underground,place water caltrops layer by layer, covered with thin layers of sand; stack no higher than 1 meter.This method also maintains good freshness.Fresh water caltrops can be kept in a sealed container with some water and stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks,though taste may slightly deteriorate, their crispness remains intact.Refrigerated water caltrop puree should not separate; add 1 tablespoon ofbutteror honey before freezing to prevent separation.

After harvesting water chestnuts, store them in a cool house or underground room using brick-built pits.This method also provides good storage and preservation effects.

Fresh water chestnuts can be sprinkled with some water, then packed in a plastic container and stored in the refrigerator; they can last for 2 weeks.This will make the water chestnuts taste slightly milder, but it won't affect their crisp texture.Refrigeration can cause the water chestnut puree to separate into layers.Add 1 tablespoonbutterorhoneybefore refrigeration; after melting, they will not separate.