Chinese Water Chestnut

the starchy white flesh people eat is mostly carbohydrate.

the peel contains a heat-stable antibiotic (rare), fisetin (a longevity/senolytic compound), luteolin (lung cancer suppressor), daucosterol (antidiabetic via dual mechanism), and one of the highest flavonoid concentrations.

the peel is where fisetin, diosmetin, luteolin, tectorigenin, daucosterol, and puchiin concentrate.

ferulic acid oligomers in cell walls contribute both to the unique crispness and to antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity. boiling water extraction increases DPPH radical scavenging activity and decreases H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species in cells — counterintuitive bioavailability enhancement through heat processing.

puchiin is effective against S. aureus, E. coli, and Aerobacter aerogenes and retains potency after boiling.

ethyl acetate fractions showed greater antibacterial activity than other fractions against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes — action mode studies confirmed bactericidal activity against S. aureus by degrading and disrupting cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, causing leakage of cell contents.

luteolin, another major flavonoid, documented to suppress growth and migration of human lung cancer cells.

used in traditional Chinese medicine for cough, laryngitis, hepatitis, enteritis, hypertension, pharyngitis, constipation, and chronic nephritis.

reduces risk of stroke, & lowers blood pressure.

peel, can be eaten raw or cooked.