Have you tasted a chestnut before? These delicious nuts are oozing with so many health benefits. In fact, these health benefits are all for the betterment of the overall health. To learn more about the health benefits of chestnuts as well as its uses and its nutritional facts, consider reading the whole article. So let’s start by knowing the chestnuts itself below.
Chestnuts, What are these?
Chestnut originated from an English term Chesten Nut, which moves from French word Chastain. The group of chestnut is a group of eight or nine species of trees and shrubs in the family of beech trees. Chestnut trees produce edible nuts. These nuts are eaten around the world and we call it chestnut.
The interesting thing about chestnut is it is regarded as both nuts and fruits. Nuts may not seem very special but there are many health benefits of chestnuts. Most nuts are the product of flowering plants, and fruits are described as the product of flowering plants as well.
Chestnuts have a sweet flavor and they can be added to different kinds of dishes. However, raw chestnuts are very hard and they do have a crunchy texture. But, after cooking or roasting they get softer.
There are also other types of chestnuts: American chestnuts are a big group of the tree from the family of the beech tree. They are also the best chestnut tree in the world. Sweet chestnut or Castanea sativa is a species of flowering plant that originated in Europe and Asia Minor but is grown in the world. Chinese chestnut or Castanea Mollossima originated in China, Korea, and Taiwan. Japanese and Korean chestnut is native to Japan and South Korea.
Nutritional Facts
- Chestnuts are also rich in Folates. Folic acid is important for the development of red blood cells.
- Chestnuts are a good source of dietary fibers that help to lower the blood cholesterol level. The fiber diet limits the excess absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
- They are also composed of starch which makes them a good source of protein compared to cereals. The nutrition composition of Chestnuts can be compared to sweet potatoes or sweet corns.
- Like other nuts. Chestnuts provide oleic and palmitoleic acids that help lower the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol.
- They are rich in Vitamin C which is a strong antioxidant and helps with the formation of teeth and bones.
- Chestnuts are low in calories and fats. In spite of that, the health benefits of Chestnuts is that they are rich in minerals and vitamins.
- Nuts are a good source of minerals. Furthermore, Chestnut has Potassium that lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. It also has Iron that helps with the prevention of anemia, magnesium, and phosphorus that are important components of the development of bones.
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 213 Kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 45.54 grams | 35% |
| Protein | 2.42 grams | 4% |
| Total Fat | 2.26 grams | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 grams | 21% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 62 µg | 15.5% |
| Niacin | 1.179 milligrams | 7% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.509 milligrams | 11% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.376 milligrams | 29% |
| Riboflavin | 0.168 milligrams | 13% |
| Thiamin | 0.238 milligrams | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 28 IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 43 milligrams | 72% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 3 milligrams | 0% |
| Potassium | 518 milligrams | 11 % |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 27 milligrams | 3% |
| Copper | 0.447 milligrams | 50% |
| Iron | 1.01 milligrams | 13% |
| Magnesium | 32 milligrams | 8% |
| Manganese | 0.952 milligrams | 41% |
| Phosphorus | 93 milligrams | 19% |
| Zinc | 0.52 milligrams | 5% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Phyto-sterols | 22 µg | – |
Uses of Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts are popular. In addition, cooked chestnuts can also be added to desserts, stews or casseroles. Chestnut Flour can be used to make bread and pancakes or other baked goods.
Health Benefits of Chestnuts
here are some of the best health benefits of chestnuts:
Boosts the Immune System.
Chestnuts have a high level of Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds that help with your immune system. It does not only stimulates the making of white blood cells, but it also acts as an antioxidant.
Prevent Diabetes.
Chestnuts are high in dietary fiber which causes the blood sugar to rise slowly. With this, it prevents the sudden rise and drops of blood pressure. The sudden rise and drops of blood pressure are not safe for diabetic patients.
Relieve Digestive Problems.
Chestnuts have a high level of dietary fiber. It regulates the bowel movement and prevents inflammation and discomfort. With dietary fiber, it also optimizes the absorption of nutrients of the body.
Increase the Bone Mineral Density.
Chestnuts provide minerals that prevent and slows down age-related bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
Improves the Brain Functionality.
Nuts are rich in Vitamin B, so are Chestnuts. With these, brain functionality and cognition can be improved. In addition, the potassium in chestnuts increases the blood flow to the brain. Because of these, concentration and memory can be increased.
Controls the Blood Pressure.
With the minerals found in Chestnuts such as Potassium, it controls the movement of water in the body. It also acts as a vasodilator that increases the flow of blood and releases the tension on the blood vessels and arteries. It can also lessen the risks of heart attacks or stroke.
Prevent Chronic Illness.
With the antioxidants that can be found on Chestnuts, it prevents the development of cancer and other chronic illness.
