One of the most characteristic fruits that autumn brings us are chestnuts . Raw, roasted, cooked or as an ingredient in salty and sweet recipes, it is a very versatile and tasty food. But also very healthy for health. And it is that chestnuts have so many properties that their consumption is more than recommended by nutrition experts. Therefore, such an important product in our diet well deserves a post where we explain in detail what the benefits of chestnuts are.
Properties of chestnuts
Chestnuts are a dry fruit with many nutrients. Its main value is its very high fiber and carbohydrate content. However, for this reason we cannot consider that chestnut is fattening, as it contains few calories, about 190 calories / 100grs.
Another of the great properties of chestnuts is that they are a natural source of minerals, among which stand out: phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and, to a lesser extent, copper, for which anti-inflammatory and vascular properties are attributed.
They also provide us with high amounts of vitamins B1, B3, B6 and folic acid.
Chestnuts benefits
And now that we know the properties, how does this translate into benefits for our body?
Their high percentage of carbohydrates makes them an excellent source of natural energy without running the risk of gaining weight and with a satiating effect. In fact, on many occasions, it is recommended to eat chestnuts while following a diet to lose weight.
For periods of constipation, nothing like eating a handful of raw chestnuts. As we have already told you, one of the main characteristics of chestnuts is that they have a lot of insoluble fiber that activates the intestinal transit.
In addition, they are diuretic, thanks to their very important contribution of potassium, which stimulates the decrease in blood pressure and diuresis. This benefit makes chestnuts an excellent ally for people with kidney problems or hypertension.
Also noteworthy is its contribution of calcium, which helps to strengthen bones and cartilage. In fact, many lactose intolerant people substitute a good helping of chestnuts for milk this time of year.
As if that were not enough, chestnuts also provide us with vitamins, such as B, which helps to stop hair loss; and folic acid, which makes it a very interesting food for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding.
But not everything related to the chestnut is positive. The only downside we can put is that they are a bit indigestible, especially if you eat them raw. The reason for this is that they are rich in tannins, which can cause intestinal discomfort. To avoid this, in the event that you are the one who picks the chestnuts, you should let them rest for a week so that the percentage of tannins decreases.
Trick to roast them
However, the most typical way to eat them is by roasting them, especially on cold days. And it is that their energy value and the heat they give off make them a delicious way to face low temperatures. To roast them, do not forget to make a small incision and put them in a pan, without oil, for about 20 or 25 minutes.
During this time, you have to be very vigilant so that they do not burn and be constantly moving them. As a tip, if you want them to stay very dry, soak them for about 15 minutes before roasting them. And to give them a touch of flavor, try adding a few drops of honey to this water, or a pinch of salt or a few drops of anise.
Another handicap that we can find in the chestnut is seasonality. They are collected in autumn and eaten in winter. However, why not enjoy the benefits of other nuts the rest of the year? To find out which are the most recommended nuts, we remind you of the properties of nuts.
