Chestnuts: Benefits For Our Diet
Have you ever tasted chestnuts, the fruit of the chestnut tree? The latter is a tree known with the scientific name of Castanea sativa and belongs to the fagaceae family . It is grown in temperate climates, typical of the northern hemisphere. While not part of many people’s daily diets, the health benefits of chestnuts are different. Do you want to know what they are?
The edible part of the chestnut is yellow in color, it has a pleasant and sweet taste. The chestnut nut is a dry fruit that is eaten mainly in autumn and winter.
Furthermore, it should be emphasized that chestnuts should not be eaten raw and this is because they contain tannins, components that can cause digestive disorders.
Benefits of chestnuts
The main benefit of this fruit is the fact that it is low in calories. To this property must be added its high content of fibers, proteins and carbohydrates.
They are also a good source of minerals, among which magnesium, potassium, iron and phosphorus stand out. Below, let’s take a closer look at its nutritional values.
Nutritional value
For 100 grams of product, chestnuts provide:
- About 225 calories.
- 40 grams of water.
- 40 grams of complex carbohydrates.
- 6 grams of fat.
- 5 grams of vegetable protein.
- 8 grams of fiber.
- In addition, they contain vitamin E and vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9).
10 benefits of chestnuts for the body
1. They are an ideal food to stimulate satiety
Are you looking for a healthy way to quench your appetite? Chestnuts are a satiating food, thanks to their fiber and carbohydrate content.
- It is advisable to include them in your diet, but do not overdo it (especially if you are following a weight loss diet).
2. They strengthen the skeletal system
This dried fruit gives us calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. As a result, they help us keep the skeletal system in good condition, as well as prevent the onset of premature osteoporosis.
- Eat them regularly, in the most suitable season and as a supplement to your diet.
3. They stimulate the functioning of the nervous system
The nervous system is very important, as it has the task of regulating various mechanisms of the body. With their antioxidants, chestnuts can help us take care of this system, promoting good psychological health.
- Eat chestnuts to prevent aging caused by free radicals in the body.
4. Benefits of chestnuts: they are good for those suffering from diabetes
People with diabetes can benefit from eating chestnuts. The carbohydrates that this fruit gives us are slowly absorbed, so they do not cause changes in insulin in the blood.
- Therefore, chestnuts can be a healthy snack at any time of the day.
5. They contain amino acids
Chestnuts contain all the essential amino acids for a healthy diet. Consequently, people who follow a vegan diet, the elderly and sportspeople can consume it without any problem.
- So eat two or three chestnuts before or after sport to improve your stamina and recovery times.
6. Other benefits of chestnuts: they do not contain gluten
Whether in the form of fruit or flour, this food is a good ally for those suffering from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Consequently, we can ingest it in different ways, replacing the wheat derivatives that contain this protein instead.
- We can also use chestnut flour to make cakes, sweets, drinks and so on.
7. They protect cardiovascular health
Dried fruit is one of those foods that help protect the heart and improve the quality of life. In this sense, chestnuts contain very healthy fats and provide a good dose of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Furthermore, they do not contain cholesterol, so they are a natural alternative to include in our daily diet.
8. They facilitate digestion
Chestnuts provide a good dose of fiber, which contribute to good digestion.
- In addition, this type of dried fruit helps to preserve the bacterial flora in good condition. As a result, we can prevent constipation, disorders and diseases of the large intestine, such as diverticula or colon cancer.
9. They act as hypertensive
People with high blood pressure can eat chestnuts without any problems. This is thanks to the low sodium and high potassium content of chestnuts.
- Furthermore, thanks to their diuretic effect, they are rich in benefits for people who tend to retain fluids.
10. They contribute with a notable contribution of energy
Chestnuts are also useful for preventing or relieving states of fatigue and tiredness. Consequently, in the cases of patients diagnosed with anemia, chestnuts can be of great help, precisely because of their iron content.
- Furthermore, it is advisable to consume them together with fruit rich in vitamin C, in order to favor a greater absorption of this mineral.
Finally, the benefits of chestnuts are also beneficial for topical use, such as in skin or scalp care.
For example, we can use them to treat wounds, canker sores, and even to reduce throat inflammation and relieve sore throats.
