Top 5 health benefits of chestnuts (2024)

FAQs

Top 5 health benefits of chestnuts? ›

These nuts are a good source of fiber, which helps keep you regular and supports the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Chestnuts are also gluten-free, which makes them a healthy choice for people with celiac disease. The fiber in chestnuts can also help balance your blood sugar.

These nuts are a good source of fiber, which helps keep you regular and supports the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Chestnuts are also gluten-free, which makes them a healthy choice for people with celiac disease. The fiber in chestnuts can also help balance your blood sugar.

Compared to most nuts, chestnuts are lower in protein, fat and calories. Yet, one serving (about ten nuts) contains 36% DV (Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories per day) of antioxidant vitamin C, 17% DV of satiating dietary fiber, and a full 50% DV of manganese for healthy bones.

Nutrition-wise, chestnuts have some major differences from almonds, walnuts, and other nuts. They're lower in calories and fat, but still offer decent amounts of antioxidants and minerals. And chestnuts get accolades for their versatility in the kitchen.

Chestnuts have certain nutritional characteristics similar to those of cereals. Even though they do not contain gluten, they do have a high content of sugars, especially starch. Chestnuts are rich in fiber, as well as mineral salts such as potassium, phosphorus, and small quantities of iron.

Overall, are chestnuts good for you? Chestnuts are a good source of protective antioxidants, even after cooking, they also contribute useful amounts of fibre. For these reasons, they may help improve heart health and support blood sugar and weight management.

Chestnuts have therapeutic properties, and due to their high energy value, they are especially recommended for athletes and children. They help with kidney problems and digestion.

Certain people with severe intestinal issues, kidney problems, liver disease, and those who are pregnant, should avoid raw chestnuts. These nuts are usually boiled or roasted before eating due to the high levels of tannic acid.

The majority of chestnut consumption occurs in Asia and Europe, specifically China and Italy. China consumes 1.6 million metric tons, or 80% of the global share of production. Italy is the largest importer, making up 15.9% of the total global import volume (OEC, 2022).

If they are undercooked or poorly prepared (often the case when roasting), the starch remains raw, potentially leading to digestive issues. If this substance is not well toasted, it may create the classic heavy feeling in the stomach, accompanied by bloating and sometimes pain.

What is the number 1 healthiest nut? ›

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Chestnuts have properties that may help reduce inflammation. The antioxidants they contain, such as vitamin C, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and various polyphenols, can help reduce inflammation.

As discussed earlier, chestnuts contain potassium and this is one of the most important minerals when it comes to lowering blood pressure. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, which helps in increasing the general blood flow, therefore decreasing the overall pressure.

Hair is damaged by dyes, hair irons, hair dryers and chemical treatments that make hair weak and brittle, hindering its ability to retain water. The chestnut extract is said to repair and protect hair from this daily damage without causing buildup and is said to impart a glossy look to hair.

Chestnuts are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, while you might think you can only get vitamin C from berries and veggies, chestnuts are also rich in vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system.

Provide filling fiber

Water chestnuts are high in dietary fiber that offers several health benefits. Fiber makes you feel fuller and satisfied, reducing excess food intake, improving digestion, reducing blood cholesterol levels, and regulating blood sugar levels.

Antioxidant– Chestnuts have very high antioxidant properties which help to clean the body of toxins and free-radicals. They help detoxify the body and optimise immune function. It effectiveness is contributed to the high amount of Vitamin C, Gallic Acid and Ellagic Acid which help make it such a strong antioxidant.

In botany terms, nuts are strictly a particular kind of dry fruit that has a single seed, a hard shell, and a protective husk. Chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts fit the true definition of a nut. Peanuts and almonds do not meet the botanical definition of a true nut.

Chestnuts contain relatively few calories (171 kcal per 100 g) and don't lie heavily on the stomach. That's because their high starch content makes them easily digestible. They're also rich in fibre, which improves intestinal activity.