Can water chestnuts be boiled with skin to drink

Water chestnuts can be boiled with their skin, but they need to be thoroughly cleaned and the surface dirt removed. Water chestnut skin contains a small amount of dietary fiber and antioxidant components, but there may be residual soil or microorganisms. It is recommended for people with weak spleen and stomach or allergies to peel and consume. Although the texture of water chestnut skin is hard, it can soften after sufficient boiling. Its skin is rich in polyphenols and trace minerals, and boiling it together with the flesh can increase the flavor level. In traditional dietary therapy, boiling water with water chestnuts in the skin is commonly used to relieve dryness in the throat, as the mucin protein in the skin helps moisturize the mucous membranes. Attention should be paid to selecting fresh water chestnuts with intact skin and no mold spots. Before cooking, use a hard brush to repeatedly scrub the gaps under running water. Cook at high temperature for no less than 15 minutes to inactivate potential parasites.

Some people may experience adverse reactions when consuming water chestnut with skin. The concave part of the epidermis is prone to hiding ginger eggs, and if not thoroughly cleaned, it may cause parasitic infections. The water chestnuts purchased from the agricultural market may have pesticide residues, and the wrinkles on the skin are difficult to completely clean. People with poor digestive function may experience bloating when drinking boiled water with skin on. It is recommended for children and the elderly to filter it before drinking. People with a history of water chestnut allergy should completely avoid contact with epidermal allergens.

It is recommended to use water chestnut water with snow pear or lily to enhance the drying effect. It is safer to filter the residue after boiling. When storing, it is necessary to keep it dry and ventilated. Water chestnuts that have sprouted or deteriorated are prohibited from consumption. If discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea occur, it should be stopped immediately. Patients with chronic gastroenteritis need to evaluate their individual tolerance before drinking. While utilizing the nutrients of water chestnut peel reasonably, it is also necessary to pay attention to food safety risk prevention and control.