Are Chestnuts Good for You? Nutrition & Healthy Eating (2024)

FAQs

Are Chestnuts Good for You? Nutrition & Healthy Eating? ›

In just half a cup of chestnuts, you get decent amounts of the mineral manganese, which is important for cell function and bone health and copper, a mineral that helps the body form red blood cells. It also supplies vitamin C, folate, and potassium and has 3.6 grams of fiber—13 percent of the amount you need daily.

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.

Chestnuts remain a good source of antioxidants, even after cooking. They're rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid—two antioxidants that increase in concentration when cooked. Antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and potassium help reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease or stroke.

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.

American chestnut is safe for most people in the amounts found in food and beverages. It is not known if American chestnut is safe in the larger amounts typically used as medicine. American chestnut might cause some side effects such as stomach and intestinal problems, kidney and liver damage, and certain cancers.

Cooking them before you eat them, though not required, is strongly recommended, says Applegate. “It makes the starch more digestible.” The best cooking method depends on how you plan to use them, Kamp says. For snacks and salads, you want to keep the chestnuts dry, so roasting is her pick.

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.

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. Chestnut tea has the effect of alleviating the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, and can be eaten in soups and salads.

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.

However, chestnuts are still considered a higher carb nut. While eating a small to moderate quantity of chestnuts may offer these benefits, consuming too many chestnuts frequently may counter these health benefits. Chestnuts are a good source of fiber, which may help balance your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes.

Do chestnuts raise blood pressure? ›

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.

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).

Figs, prunes, and chestnuts

As mentioned earlier, any foods that have carbohydrates that your body did not or cannot digest down (such as fiber, which each of these items contain) causes gas, says Dr. Lee.

The disease was ultimately traced back to a variety of Asian chestnut that had been imported to Long Island, but by then it was too late. The blight spread, and within 40 years, nearly every American chestnut was dead. Other varieties of chestnut are still eaten all over the world, just as they have been for centuries.

Water Chestnut Benefits

Water chestnuts' health benefits include: Reduced stroke risk and improved blood pressure. Potassium, which is present in water chestnuts, may reduce your risk of stroke and high blood pressure, both of which are linked to heart disease.

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 contain a similar profile of vitamins and minerals to other nuts, but their higher water content means the concentration of these nutrients are lower. A 30g serve is about 4 chestnuts.

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.